It was my post that got quoted in the first place from another thread. Not sure why the person who did that couldn’t just make the same point themselves, but that’s neither here nor there.
I was a two sport athlete in college and have competed in powerlifting over the past two years. I’ve been in many weight rooms over the past seven years or so, and I’m just telling you what I’ve seen.
Personally, the first time I ever attempted a deadlift there was a bar loaded to 315 just sitting on the ground and I decided to see if I could lift it…I didn’t even know what a deadlift was. I could do it for a few reps…I was around 160-165. I do not possess unusual levels of natural strength, not by any means.
I have seen MANY people who could do the same or more the very first time they attempted the exercise. People who’ve been training for a year or more and can’t do this don’t want to hear it, but it’s absolutely the case.
A ton of muscle mass doesn’t help as much with a pull as it does with most lifts. A strong grip and an efficient nervous system do, and some people just have those…apparently more than ‘milk’ realizes. Muscle mass and stability take time to develop. Wiry strength you’re born with.
Further, the deadlift is generally less trainable than the other powerlifts and most strength exercises generally, so once your initial progress is made, it can be a grind to keep getting stronger. Whereas with your squat and bench, as long as you’re willing to eat big and work, you can keep nudging things along.
I know it makes some folks feel better to ‘call bullshit’ at any claim anyone makes that makes them feel inadequate…but I get the sense I’m not the only one who thinks it’s fairly commonplace for an untrained person to be able to pull 350-400 for at least a single, and sometimes more, the first time they ever try.
If that pisses you off, instead of calling me a moron, how about you pour some of that bitterness into your training?
