Light Day Pull

[Sebastian Ohanian]

Coach,

Thank you for all the info that you provide.

For a novice trainee that does not power clean, how do you determine which light day pulling variant to use? I know there are RDLs, rows, SLDL, light deadlift, chins, and a few more, but I'm not sure why a trainee would choose one over the other.

Sebastian

[Mark Rippetoe]

I recommend the power clean. Why do you not do them?

[Sebastian Ohanian]

Coach,

I'm unable to rack the power clean because of disproportionally long forearms (confirmed by SSC). Power snatch is fun, but I understand that the weight will not be enough to drive up the deadlift.

[Mark Rippetoe]

If I were coaching you I'd have you do 80% deadlifts. How old are you?

[Sebastian Ohanian]

36, 6'2", 245lbs, and last pull was 350 with hook grip. What is the reasoning for the light deadlift versus the other variants?

Thanks, Coach.

[Mark Rippetoe]

What is the reasoning for the other variants vs the light deadlift?

[Sebastian Ohanian]

No, why would a person that does not power clean do the light deadlifts (as you suggested) versus the other variants. Thanks again.

[Mark Rippetoe]

I'm asking you why you'd rather do variants as opposed to light deadlifts.

[Sebastian Ohanian]

I don't have an opposition to the light deadlift. SSC told me I could pick RDL, row, or light deadlift, which is different than your recommendation. I'm curious why the advice is different or if the advice could change down the road.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Opinions vary. My opinion is that for light pulling purposes, the power clean is the best option and light deadlifts are the second best option. PM me and tell me who the SSC is.