Question on deadlift set up.

[haigo]

Hey guys, just a quick question - I'm not strong enough yet to use the 45 lb plates for the deadlift and that happens to be the only plate big enough to prop the bar high enough to start deadlifting (mid-shin level) I usually just stack weights horizontally and place the barbell with the smaller weights on top of those. I was wondering, is there an easier way to set up a barbell for this? Maybe there's something I'm missing or I just have to keep doing this until I can use the 45 lb plates.

[muddy]

That's pretty much the story. But look around - maybe there are things which are easier to use. Examples:

Some racks will let you set the safety pins low enough to use that, and it's quicker to setup. Or maybe there are some aerobic step up things around you can use.

Don't let it discourage you - you'll be on to the 45 plates before you know it, if you keep at it!

[haigo]

Hey muddy,

Unfortunately the power cage at my gym doesn't have pin slots that go down that low. I've used those aerobic step things a couple times too. I guess I'll just keep doing that till I can DL with bigger plates. Thanks for the speedy reply.

[Portillo]

I used to stack up 3 plates on each side. It was a little annoying, but it passes by quick.

[haigo]

Also, what 5x5 exercises help increase your deadlift? I'm assuming squatting and rows will help your DL too but I'm usually wrong >_<

[atypical1]

You're right about rows and squats. But there's no better way to get stronger at deads than just more deads. You could always add another set of deads for the volume.

james

[haigo]

Yea I sometimes feel like 1x5 for deads isn't enough since I'm still under 1x body weight for 'em. I DL tomorrow, I'll throw in another set and see how I feel.

[ricepower]

Yea I sometimes feel like 1x5 for deads isn't enough since I'm still under 1x body weight for 'em. I DL tomorrow, I'll throw in another set and see how I feel.

Doing romanian deadlifts for reps or doing rack pulls for the prescribed 5 reps can be a good if you find the plate stacking inconvenient.