Deadlifts? What's the Secret

[roses_92123]

I did B&G a couple of days ago for the first time (yeah, I'm late...just ordered it!). I have a question though on the deadlifts. For some reason, I never feel these. I don't know if there was some deadlift "class" that I missed growing up or something, but I just can't get the feeling in the glutes from these like Cathe says we should get.

Any pointers?

Thanks in advance!!! }(

 

[aseay]

i feel it more in my hamstrings and glutes when i keep my legs closer.
bend your knees slightly to feel it more in your glutes

laura

 

[Boybert]

keep your feet about shoulder width apart - a comfortable distance. Keep your shoulders retracted and do not let them drop throughout the motion. Keep your back straight, do not let it arch. As you go down, keep the bar (or dumbbells) close to your body (within an inch or so) and slowly lower down while concentrating hard on holding the form. Go down as far as comfortable to get a good stretch in the hamstrings and then as you lift up, really push through the heel and pull your bum in simultaneously like doing a glute squeeze. Really think about all aspects of the movement as you are doing it. Once you have mastered doing it slowly (keeping good form), you are then better able to match Cathe's different rep speeds while maintaining good alignment. HTH!


Debbie


Peter: Oh my god, Brian, there's a message in my Alphabits. It says, 'Oooooo.'
Brian: Peter, those are Cheerios.
--Family Guy

 

[kathryn]

Remember to push your tush backward as you bend over (and bend from the hips, never curving the back). As you come up, try to push through the heels and think of your glutes doing the action.

 

[roses_92123]

Thank you for all the helpful hints. I would have never really thought to push my heels into the floor, but now, seems so obvious. I had just never really "got" this exercise for some reason but can't wait to try it again now after all these helpful pointers!!

Thank you!!

 

[candi]

If I start dropping my shoulders, my glutes and hamstrings no longer feel the work. I really have to watch that!

 

[delfin]

One more tip that works with me: do not let your arms do the work.

 

[debbydarestobefit]

Besides proper form and pressing down in the heels, I had to up my weight to feel it. Deb

 

[roses_92123]

Another question----I don't have a barbell yet, only hand weights, and I wonder if this is also contributing to the "non-feeling it" factor. Should this be a problem?

Thanks again for the helpful suggestions!

 

[candi]

If the hand weights are heavy, it shouldn't matter.