Question on weight training

5 rep

MemberStansbury Park, UT

I am new to this whole working out thing and found a beginners program online that I want to start. It requires that I deadlift. I have not seen anyone at my home club deadlift so it is leading me to believe that this is something anytime fitness doesn't allow. I have read that some fitness clubs don't allow this. If anytime doesn't allow deadlifting, is there a good substitute exercise for it?

33k rep

Trainer

To my knowledge, very few clubs 'disallow' Deadlifts. It is if you are performing a 'power' version of the exercise where you drop the weight once you pull it up (and you are usually only doing 1-3 reps i.e. HEAVY). This requires proper lifting platforms (made of wood) and an area big enough not to get in the way of other members. This type of Deadlift is NOT allowed in most gyms. I would be very surprised if your club didn't allow you to deadlift, so long as you control the lift all the way down to the floor. Some clubs might not like chalk on the bars, but again, so long as you are not making a huge mess, it’s usually not a big deal.

I suggest asking the club staff as to whether they have any policies on the matter.

One other point I might make is that Deadlifting is the single best exercise to be doing for building strength and putting on size, however it is far from a beginner exercise. I would highly recommend you getting a solid 3 months under your belt of lifting before you attempt this lift (or at least before you attempt it heavy), and make sure you have someone who knows what they are doing, both show you how to perform it correctly and who can watch you to make sure you are doing it correctly.

James

23k rep

MemberBellingham, WA

I dont have anything to add to James' post, but I dont think you see anyone doing it because its just not a lift many people do outside of power lifting and body building. It can be intimidating, especially when you see advanced lifters pulling several hundred pounds for reps.

And I also want to echo James' advice (as usual) about making sure you get proper instruction and lots of practice before moving the weight up. A great, productive lift, but please TAKE YOUR TIME with it.

62 rep

AlumniCross Lanes, WV

A normal deadlift is absolutely fine and a GREAT exercise to do WHEN DONE RIGHT! I have to stress that point!! You can really hurt yourself if your form is off or you push yourself a bit too much (been there done that and was out with back pain for almost 2 weeks)

8.1k rep

O₂i | OwnerLake City, MN

James said: "One other point I might make is that Deadlifting is the single best exercise to be doing for building strength and putting on size,"

Couldn't agree more, deads are one of the best exercises in the gym and my absolute favorite! I have at least a dozen members in my gym doing them. Like he also said, form is a very big deal with these. If you can't find a trainer, there are some good videos on You Tube that show proper form.

19 rep

Just be sure to perfect your form. Many peeople dontdo it because they dont understand what a great exercise it is !