Can someone please tell me what the advantages are of using a trap bar as opposed to a straight bar for deadlifts or are their no difference’s at all.
There is a difference. When I used a trap bar for deadlifting at school, I hit somewhere around 475. But when I used a straight bar I was only in the 300s and those max-outs were around the same time. What different muscles are worked, I don’t know but I can tell you that there’s a difference between them somehow.
Shins
Using one today i found my lifts were also higher in #'s as well, i’am wondering if its all about the grip, and what different muscles are involved
Trap bar gives you a more natural grip, because you can hold it at your sides. This also allows you to keep your back more upright and helps prevent rounding of the back.
i believe the trap bar lets you use more of your legs for the drive. the weight placement is aligned with the hips and heels giving you optimal leverage… rather than a straight bar deadlift where the weight is in front… you have to do extra work to counterbalance the weight.
are regular deadlifts better for building muscle?
I use both, but I like using it squat style from a platform. Also great for rows, upright shrugging row things, neutral grip benches and oh yeah traps too.
Edit: Almost forgot. Try using plates with handles and use them for a wider grip.
The trap bar deadlift allows you to lift in a more natural motion and keeps your shins from getting scraped.
I would have to say that a trap-bar deadlift is less back intensive and is safer since it’s easier to use good form.
I don’t think either are superior. If I were a powerlifter I would Trap-Bar Deadlift every 3rd time I did ME deadlifts. If I were a bodybuilder I would have trap-bar deadlifts on leg day and conventional rack pulls on back day.
Trap-Bars obviously don’t allow you to do Sumo Deadlifts.