Here’s a trivial question for you. Seem’s like we all have a definite favourite. I’ve always loved the squat first then the deadlift whereas most people I’ve asked this question seem to prefer the bench press. Got me wondering why?. So which of the three lifts do you prefer and why?, is it because it’s the one your best at? or most anatomically suited to?, and do you think people who favour the deadlift for example have different personality traits from the bench pressers that they share with other deadlifters?. Just a thought. Can’t see the likes of a Coan or a Karwoski ever wanting to enter a bench only meet! Do you know what I mean?
Weird, I was just thinking about this the other day.
We may be genetically pre-disposed to doing better on certain lifts and/or have used the muscle group more in other sports.
I’m attracted to the lifts I have the most success with.
It’s why I’m trying to downplay my favorite lift and focus on my least favorite. When there is success there, I look forward to it more and get more mentally charged for it.
As strange as this sounds im built for the bench and compared to my other two its at a higher level.But it not my favorite.Im like Oldman Powers in regards to downplaying certain lifts and focus on ones im having issues with.As regards to other people? I cant realy say there is much differents personality traits between a guy who tends to focus one lift then someone who does all three.Lets face it we are all fucking nuts.Dont git me wrong I respect guys who focus on just one lift and the work it takes to reach a high level with it.But for myself I like the notion of being well rounded as possible on all three lifts.I dont want to be the guy with one lift thats out of this world and my other two being crap.That in my mind doesnt add up too a huge total.
[quote]bulldog9899 wrote:
.But for myself I like the notion of being well rounded as possible on all three lifts.I dont want to be the guy with one lift thats out of this world and my other two being crap.[/quote]
x2 on that. Nothing more disappointing than reading about a 600lb bencher and then finding out his squat and deadlift are about the same. My deadlift is only the same as my squat (440lbs) mainly because I don’t do them that often. So I’m making a concerted effort to bring that lift up. I’m aiming for a 100lb increase by christmas (optimistic!!) but I think I can gain alot of that from improving my technique and getting over my fear of injuring my back if I do a true maximum attempt.
I like the bench because it’s easier. I really wish I could crush the DL though, I have a 650 in mind for March after that who knows. Squatting and DL’ing are just plain hard regardless of your build, I have a lot more respect for those numbers than bench (although a rocking 500+ bench is still…rocking).
^^^ yeah 500 is still rocking.Youve got to respect it.But theres alote to be said for a huge squat and Dead.
bulldog,
No doubt, when I see someone hitching and grinding away with 700+ on the DL I am just in awe, I would just drop it and head to my car.
Anatomy dictates quite a bit of the success on a given lift. My favourite is dead lift because I’m anatomically suited for it particulary when I’m wearing a suit. Urangutan arms, long fingers and a strong lock out help me kick ass on that lift. Conversely, my bench has finally moved to something that’s not quite such an embarrassment. My squat is decent and I love to train it as well. However, nothing feels as good to me as locking out your third at a meet and it’s a big weight. It’s a high I keep chasing.
my fave is the squat, because when I started in high school everyone hated the squat, and it felt like it was the only thing I was good at.
ironically i hated benching forever. when i was a bodybuilder i was embarrassed to bench. i would do everything but bench. i did dumbells and machines mostly because i was so weak. it wasn’t until i started powerlifting and learned how to bench properly that it took off.
i would have to say that i enjoy squatting the most, then bench and deads last.
since i started 5/3/1 i have to say that i’ve looked forward to all of the lifts equally and feel like they are all taking off.
Can’t beat that feeling where after a great squat workout you come in, sit on the sofa and just nod off. Some of the best sleeps I’ve ever had have been after squatting. Must be a sign of old age I didn’t do that when I was younger. Just can’t get that satisfying tiredness from an upper body workout!
Deadlift, for me nothing beats the primal feeling of just reaching down and ripping a heavy ass weight off the floor. By the time you’re putting it back down you’re ready to toss your wench over your shoulder and just go plunder.
So um, I vote deadlift.
i like the deadlift the most because it is made of pure awesome.
I’ve come to hate them all equally.
[quote]JoeGood wrote:
Deadlift, for me nothing beats the primal feeling of just reaching down and ripping a heavy ass weight off the floor. By the time you’re putting it back down you’re ready to toss your wench over your shoulder and just go plunder.
So um, I vote deadlift. [/quote]
I read that as toss a wrench over your shoulder. I thought it was totally awesome that you could deadlift and hold a wrench at the same time. I was confused.
[quote]ouroboro_s wrote:
[quote]JoeGood wrote:
Deadlift, for me nothing beats the primal feeling of just reaching down and ripping a heavy ass weight off the floor. By the time you’re putting it back down you’re ready to toss your wench over your shoulder and just go plunder.
So um, I vote deadlift. [/quote]
I read that as toss a wrench over your shoulder. I thought it was totally awesome that you could deadlift and hold a wrench at the same time. I was confused.[/quote]
“…toss your wrench over your shoulder and just go plumber.” ???
I hate squats. I hope that line between love and hate is as thin as they say it is.
Deads for sure
I adore squats and I’m made for them, I just need to focus more on the stuff I hate.
Deadlift is definitely my favorite lift. Followed closely by the Snatch. There are so many reasons why I love the deadlift. First, more than any other lift it is a test of mental toughness. On the bench press a spotter can always pull a lift of you or the weight simply crushes you. Its out of life preservation that you make the lift. The same can be said for the squat. But the deadlift is a very different animal.
You can give up on a deadlift at any time and just drop it. You don’t “have” to keep pulling. So a grind that last for a few seconds with maximal weight not only tests your strength, but more importantly your will and toughness. Second, I think suits and gear are minimally helpful. You still have to hang on to the damn barbell! Third, I never have to wait for the platform at my gym, no ever deadlifts.
I love the squat because it’s so damned hard and most folks hate it for that reason. Deads a close second though