Despite being very busy recently I have still managed to lift regularly over the past few months even with a torn groin and adductor which is s-l-o-w-l-y getting better. A few weeks ago Mike Betty and myself decided to train with the BIG discs that the Whey acquired from Rolling Thunder World Record holder Laine Snook.
These discs weigh 90kg EACH (200lbs). To make the exercise a little more primevel we also use a solid smooth 2" bar or Axle. Below you can see me with 250kg/551lbs. That's 2x90kg plates, 2x20kg plates and the 30kg solid bar. Not bad considering the injury and my ongoing back problems.
250kg/551lbs Axle Deadlift
Having taken over 5 years off from regular deadlifting it's been really fantastic to be hitting 'deads' again. I began with a simple phase of lighter singles. Putting the weight down was the problem so I decided that I would lift the weight up and simply drop it...much to Steve's amusement (not!). After that I began doing heavy Farmer's pickups. This meant I was picking up big weights off the ground without compromising my back too much. I worked up to 180kg per hand off 4" blocks which came in at under knee height.
After that I began doing speed deadlifts one week and a maximum effort deadlift the next week. The ME exercise was alternated thus allowing me to recuperate even more. The speed work was also interesting as I began doing 'dive bomb' deadlift with an overhand grip. I haven't quite managed to master this technique but I like it and it certainly gets me to my sticking point quicker and with a chance to get through it more often. The lighter speed work has also allowed us to train smarter and really revise our technique.
I am still a LONG way off being a great deadlifter but it's keep my back strong enough and at least in a reasonable strength range. The idea is to get back to 600lbs/272kg plus this year. If I can do that and be fast then we're doing ok.
Not only that, I should also mention that I probably won't be competing in the coming year. I will instead be focusing more on my stunt work and thus fitness, agility and conditioning are more important than maximal strength. However, I am an Iron guy at heart so rest assured, I'll still be lifting heavy for me year round!
Nick
Photo courtesy of Steve Gardner of The Whey Consortium
Nice one. I've never seen 90kg plates here (Sydney) - can you buy them there, or were they custom made for the RT champs?
Posted by: Scott | October 30, 2007 at 02:40 AM