RDL, Stiff-Legged Dead Loading

Training Bodybuilding
21

The thing with compound movements that allow for very heavy loads is that sometimes the target muscle is not stressed as much as it could be. For example: I can do RDLs with over 350 pounds for 6-8 reps but I choose not to. I feel my hamstrings working much more with around 315 (current working weight for the last two sets). My lower back is a strong point so I have to make an effort not to let it take over on a movement that I am doing for my hamstrings.

I guess I do them a bit differently than the others. I do them from a platform about 4" off the ground. The bar stops at my feet and only clears my knees by a few inches.

4-5 sets for 8 reps works well for me. Just keep your scapulae pulled together and there shouldn’t be any problem with going heavy.

22

[quote]nz6stringaxe wrote:
Well my concern was really that sheer stress on the spine. You guys all seem to be fine with it though, so I think I’ll keep at it until/unless something explicitly tells me to stop.[/quote]

That’s what has really built my lower back strength up. I’ve never thrown out my back due to stiff leg deads (knock on wood).