Gym quetion

fwilson1031

Is there any kind of unwritten rule about taking a bar from the bench and using it for a deadlift??? My gym doesn't have a specific place/bar for deadlifts and I've been using dumbells, but I'm getting stronger (yay!) and am feeling like I'm going to rip my arms off with the 40lb dumbells... I think it would be easier to hang onto if I used a bar....
Also, there is only one squat rack at my gym (stupid) and the only time I can get there is during peak hous, so needless to say, there is always someone using it... Are there any alternatives I can do??? Or do I just need to patiently wait it out?

FrnkLft

About taking the bar off the bench... this is exactly what I do. I do try to schedule stuff like this for lower traffic days though (I have the luxury of doing it this way too... no little kids for me .

Point in case I start my routine with Chest on Sundays because I know they are slower. As for squats... we only have one rack too, but I just ask the guy using it what he's got left and camp out until it's my turn.

I also know what my routine is (I'm sure you do too) so I can tell people waiting on me exactly how long I have left (10 min max). Most people are eating **** at the gym and can stand to wait for me to finish.


Just a side note, you said holding 40 lbs in each hand is hurting you. It is definitely easier to hold on to a bar, but if you feel like you're pulling your shoulders too much make sure to consider a) your posture b) if you're overextending your shoulders.

I had this problem when I first started lifting (letting heavy dumbbells hang too much) and it has lasted until now making my shoulders hurt. I just got off 7 days of full rest to remedy the problem, so far so good, and I won't be slacking my shoulders anymore.

Sarauk2sf

I use a bar from the bench in the gym I go to in the week - but they usually are not all in use whereas the squat rack may be. I have the same issue in that my gym has one squat rack but 4 benches - 2 flat, one incline and one decline, so as far as I am concerned, they are fair game.

No idea of the etiquette if busy, but at the end of the day, you need to use a bar from somewhere so imo, just use it from one of the benches, or wherever available.

My weekend gym is better equipped and they have extra bars which is nice.

As has been mentioned above, moving to a barbell deadlift will be different to make sure you do your homework re technique.

Here is a good resource: http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ:The_Lifts

Sarauk2sf

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