Wanna start deadlifting... please help

[leetuck]

Hi Guys,

I decided that it's time to start deadlifting the other day. I've wanted to start for so long but never actually implemented it.

Take a look at this thread I started earlier before reading on:
http://www.wannabebigforums.com/showthread.php?t=101694

Basically, I tried a deadlift with normal stance at the gym and it felt awful so I gave up. I thought that I might try the sumo stance to see if it feels better. So I've done a couple of videos with some light weights to see how my form is.

I definately prefer the sumo stance. As you can see I have long legs and arms. When I do a normal stance deadlift I can't clear my knees so I am trying to guide the barbell around my knees .. you can see this on the videos. With the sumo stance I can clear my knees easier.

Anyway, I have uploaded 4 videos for you to look at. The first 2 are a front and rear view of a deadlift with normal stance. The second 2 are with a sumo stance.

I think I might stick with the sumo stance but would like to know what I am doing wrong with the normal stance deadlift.

Thanks for any help ...

Video1:

Video

Video2:

Video

Video3:

Video

Video4:

Video

Video4:

[KingJustin]

Your form is pretty good. Make sure to arch your back and look up. You might want to go wider on sumo.

[Bako Lifter]

Look UP ^. Pull BACK. The bar should scrape you shins on the way up.

Pretty good though, besides those two things.

[Chris255]

Looking good, but as mentioned, look up. And about the bar hitting your shins, they don't have to scrape, but you want them damn close.

[leetuck]

Right ... I think i was looking down to see the bar clearing my knees

Never done deadlifts before so wanna make sure I get the form right before doing them properly.


Which one looks more natural, sumo or normal?

[leetuck]

Thanks for ya help chaps... I'm gonna go with the sumo style at first, making sure to keep my head up. Also going to keep my shoulders back more aswell.

Many thanks ...

[McVein]

Looking good, but as mentioned, look up. And about the bar hitting your shins, they don't have to scrape, but you want them damn close.

the bar should be in contact with your legs throughout the whole movement.

form looks good, the bar should touch your legs as you move the weight up, if you have good posture it will be harder to hold the bar out in front like that

[smokinHawk]

Your form is pretty good. Make sure to arch your back and look up. You might want to go wider on sumo.

you cant tell your form until you throw some real weight on, load that sucker up.
sure you got the movement down but you really cant tell if your form is like till the body gets some resistance.
always deadlift heavy!!