Deadlifts

reneelee

Hi Steve,

I have started the New Rules of Lifting for Women by, Lou Schuler I also bought the book Starting Strength Basic Barbell Training 3rd edition, and have a couple questions. How do you feel about deadlifts? When doing push ups or step-ups, five steps high 25 pound dumbells in each hand I get a really bad headache on the right side of my neck and the back of my head. I think I may be holdng my breath, because I increasted the weight by ten pounds and the step heigth by two steps, maybe to much to soon.

tameko2

I'm not steve but I'm confused by this post. You want to know about deadlifts but you're talking about stepups. I'm guessing the concern is the extra weight pulling on your shoulders will make your neck even worse?

If you have that problem on deadlifts your form is probably not right - when you set up for one, you want to set your shoulders back so your back is more or less flat (don't let them round) then SET them there in your sockets, tighten up and hold that back, grip the bar, and stand up. if you're letting the weight pull your shoulders down.

Anyway. You should do em. Lots more fun than stepups.

stroutman81

Yeah, I'd like some clarification as well. More than likely my answer is going to be to either seek the attention of a qualified professional (therapist, chiro, etc) who can assess what's going on with the neck or shoot video and let me see it to assess your form. Both would be even better... especially if this problem has been happening for a while and isn't improving.

reneelee

Really was asking how you feel about deadlifts, are they a good exercise or should they be avoided? Then stating that I have experienced twice a headache in the back of my neck on the right side and the back of my head. Was wondering if this was common while doing something wrong holding breath, too much weight to soon ect... I have experienced a headahe like this many years ago while having a big O with hubby. Couldn't take an asprin if I wanted to, just had an ice pack on my head and tried not to cry. Sorry TMI, just trying to be honest.

stroutman81

Really was asking how you feel about deadlifts, are they a good exercise or should they be avoided? Then stating that I have experienced twice a headache in the back of my neck on the right side and the back of my head. Was wondering if this was common while doing something wrong holding breath, too much weight to soon ect... I have experienced a headahe like this many years ago while having a big O with hubby. Couldn't take an asprin if I wanted to, just had an ice pack on my head and tried not to cry. Sorry TMI, just trying to be honest.

I'm a huge fan of deadlifts and its variations - sumo deads, dumbell deads, suitcase deads, romanian deads, rack pulls, etc). I'll choose the appropriate variation based on individual circumstances and stage of programming.

Regarding the other information... if you're finding the need to hold your breath, you're likely going to heavy. Or you simply need to learn to breathe while lifting. Many of my clients find it helps them to think about inhaling during the negative (lowering) portion of a rep and to exhale during the concentric (shortening or lifting) portion of a rep. Maybe that'll help you.

However, I'm not so sure that's related to your neck pain. Your neck pain could be from many things. Maybe you're hyperextending your neck while performing movements and this is causing some sort of chronic shortening of the muscles responsible for extending your neck. Or maybe you're dealing with a pinched nerve. Again, if it continues, assuming your form is good, I'd seek the advice of a qualified professional.

reneelee

Thank you Steve! I was thinking about breath and wondering when is the best time to inhale and exhale. I'm goin to lower my weights and practice my breathing. I try to time my lifting days so i can interval bike for 14-20 minutes then go do yoga for an hour. I even get some pain while doing some yoga moves and I have a feeling that when I'm uncomfortable I hold my breath.