Deadlift Alternatives to Consider: A Brief History
The history of the deadlift goes way back. There are many stories about how it was invented. Some say that the first person to perform a pull up from a barbell was John George Lydiard (1894 – 1979).
However, there are other versions where it was actually a man named Thomas Edison (1847 – 1955) who did so in 1877. The story goes that he had been working on a new type of light bulb when he realized that if he placed two pieces of metal together they would produce a spark which could then be used to illuminate a room. He tried several times but failed each time until one day while attempting to lift weights with his hands, he accidentally dropped the weights onto the floor and lifted them up using only his feet. His experiment inspired him to create the first electric lamp and thus the invention of electricity itself.
There are many different accounts of how the deadlift came into existence. One theory suggests that it was originally developed to increase the strength of soldiers during World War I. They were required to carry heavy loads and therefore needed to have great strength in order to do so.
There are many other theories about how it came into existence, but no one really knows for sure.
Common Deadlift Myths
Deadlift Myth 1: It’s Dangerous to Your Back
The deadlift, much like all exercises, can be dangerous if it’s done incorrectly. If you have bad posture while lifting weights you could hurt your back or damage your spine and nerves. However, if you have good posture, and maintain it while performing the deadlift, then you shouldn’t have any problems.
As with any exercise, it is important to warm up properly before attempting the deadlift.
Deadlift Myth 2: Only Powerlifters Do the Deadlift
This isn’t true at all. Many different types of athletes can benefit from this type of workout. Bodybuilders, strongmen, weightlifters, and even football players can all benefit from this exercise.
It has many benefits to different types of athletes, and it is a great exercise for overall strength and conditioning.
Deadlift Myth 3: You Can’t Do It If You’re Not 19 Years Old
Many people mistakenly believe that in order to do the deadlift you need to be very young and just starting out in your fitness journey. This isn’t true. This exercise is for everyone and can be beneficial to those who are older as well.
Most people who believe this are also the types of people who aren’t in very good physical condition in the first place, so they decide not to do it at all. The deadlift has many benefits which we will discuss later on in this article.
Deadlift Myth 4: It’s Only for Men
Another common misconception about the deadlift is that it’s only for men. However, this isn’t true. This exercise can be very beneficial for women as well.
In fact, it may even be more beneficial to women than it is to men. It works on balance, grip and forearm strength, and it also strengthens the core muscles.
Deadlift Myth 5: You Can’t Do It If You’re Not Tall
This is probably the greatest deadlifting myth of all time. It is a widely held belief that in order to do the deadlift you need to be very tall. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
The bar will adjust to fit your height, so no matter how tall or short you are, you’ll be able to perform the deadlift properly and safely.
Deadlift Myth 6: If You’re Over 40, You Shouldn’t Deadlift
This is another common misconception about the deadlift. Many people believe that when you reach a certain age you should no longer be performing the exercise. This is untrue, and can be detrimental to your health if you believe this and stop working out altogether.
There are many benefits of working out as you age, and one of them is maintaining good overall strength. As long as you keep up with your flexibility, cardiovascular health, and strength training as you age, you can look forward to a longer life.
Benefits of the Deadlift
There are many benefits to performing the deadlift. Some of these benefits include:
● Stronger Back and Core Muscles – The deadlift targets the muscles in your back, as well as your core muscles. Your core muscles help keep your balance, while the muscles in your back help you maintain good posture.
● Tones and Strengthens Muscle – This is another exercise that’s great for building muscle and overall body strength.
● Weight Loss – Many people use this exercise to help them lose weight.
● Better Posture – This is another exercise that helps strengthen your back and improve your posture as well.
● More Confident – The better shape you keep your body in, the more confident you’ll feel about yourself.
Tips for Safe Deadlifting
Just because this is a safe exercise, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take caution when performing it.
Sources & references used in this article:
Relationships Between Muscle Architecture, Deadlift Performance, and Maximal Isometric Force Produced at the Midthigh and Midshin Pull in Resistance-Trained … by S Bartolomei, C Rovai, IM Lanzoni… – Journal of Strength and …, 2019 – europepmc.org
Neuromuscular and morphological adaptations to short-term squat and deadlift training in women by KD Olinghouse – 2015 – ttu-ir.tdl.org
Brandon Hendrickson:“Hell Yeah” He Is Still Considering Competing In Classic… by B Snyder, S Senger, C Cauthen – Miwah Li, John Moeller, and Charles Smith Wofford …, 2013
Comparison in muscle activity between the back squat, Romanian deadlift and barbell hip thrust during hip extension by GI Team – Power, 2019 – generationiron.com
Augmenting deadlift technique using a sensory artefact to influence perception: A phenomenology and embodied interaction driven exploration of strength exercising … by J Delgado – 2017 – ro.ecu.edu.au
Brandon Hendrickson:“Hell Yeah” He Is Still Considering Competing In Classic… by BAH Reutz – 2019 – duo.uio.no
A comparison of the effect of kettlebell swings and isolated lumbar extension training on acute torque production of the lumbar extensors by J Ladon – Power, 2019 – generationiron.com
Exercises for special strength training in mas-wrestling by L Edinborough, JP Fisher, J Steele – The Journal of Strength & …, 2016 – journals.lww.com
