Stronglifts Form Check -- Video Updated 3/10/2008

[brentDoesWork]

tony
you're still shrugging in front of your center of mass, meaning you're not using hip extension; hip extension is the primary force that imparts vertical momentum to the bar
watch where these guys finish their pull and shrug:

 


 
all of them finish their pull just slightly to the rear, but mostly straight up, which is exactly how the extension should look
you're doing a better job of "waiting" for the second pull, now all you have to do is "finish" it by driving your hips all the way through; this is what extends your torso upwards as your shoulders come in line with the hips and heels
finishing the pull straight up and slightly behind will also solve most of the problem of you catching the bar on your toes, since you're having to move forward to receive it
one last thing, you're pulling with your arms at the beginning of the second pull, sort of like a bent-over row, do not do this, keep the arms straight until after you've extended

[Tony]

I was told by someone that now I am too high on my cleans and deadlifts.  I seem to be having a problem getting the starting position.  I have watched the videos and read everyone's comments, but for some reason my body doesn't seem to get into the correct position.  Are there any other instructional videos out there that may be able to help?  Thanks.

[1337lolzz]

I have the same problem Tony.  If I do them like you, I can keep shoulder blades above bar.  If I bring the chest up, bar goes under shoulders.
It must be a flexibility issue.  Try the 7 dynamic hip stretches and 2 ankle stretches Mehdi posted.  I've been doing them for a couple days and they helped with my squats.

[Tony]

Trainer advised me that I am rounding my lower back when I break parallel on squats.  I can feel that I am doing it and it actually hurts.  He advised I need to sit back further, but I feel like I am going to fall over in that position.  He also said my flexibilty is not that great, and as I progress I will be able to get deeper and maintain my good form.  Tonight I squated but did not go past parallel.  I think my back stayed pretty straight and did not round as much.  My deadlifts are on video so let me know what you think.  I also purchased the Starting Strength book today on amazon, and it should arrive wednesday.  I'm sure it will help me understand some things I am not yet grasping.  Any feedback is appreciated.  Thanks.

[Mehdi]

Squat not breaking parallel. Deadlifts: you first position yourself correctly, but then get back into the wrong position when starting to pull.
Summarize the previous advice we gave you, write it on a piece of paper. Then when you hit the gym tape yourself, and correct yourself in between. Correct technique comes to practice. I don't see much improvement, still the same errors as when you posted the first video. The only way to improve your technique is to practice in the technique. Advice has been given you previously, you need to apply it.

[Tony]

Mehdi,
When I first position myself, my back is not straight.  When I straighten it out, I move back a little, and I think that is what you are saying is incorrect.  How can I straighten out my back and still be over the bar? 

[Mehdi]

By putting your chest forward. When I teach someone to deadlift, they usually make that same error of not putting that chest forware enough. I usually yell at them to put their chest forward. They can do it if they focus on it. For a lot of people it's a problem with the upper-back (bad posture, rounding upper-back, so shoulder dislocations), but they can do it if they focus.
So you need to focus on putting your chest forward at all times. Reset between reps.

[jdurando]

Tony - Check out this video where Rippetoe gives the very same adivce Mehdi is giving to you.
www.youtube.com/watch

[Tony]