Is the low bar squat superior to the deadlift as a posterior chain exercise?

Training Q&A [Moderated]
1

I am interested in your opinion of the claim made by Starting Strength the the low bar squat is the premier posterior chain exercise.

As I understand it, SS argues that the LB squat is superior to the deadlift as a posterior chain exercise for three reasons:

  1. It better engages the adductors.
  2. It utilizes a stretch reflex at the bottom of the lift.
  3. It has a longer range of motion.

Do you feel that these are valid points?

2

I’m not sure what the point of such a claim / debate is to be honest. “Superior” for what outcome?

  1. The adductor magnus is likely to be involved to a significant degree in the deadlift as a hip extensor. Conversely, squats involve minimal utilization of the hamstrings, which are a significant component of the “posterior chain” involved in the deadlift.

  2. Why would necessarily make one superior to the other?

  3. Again – this has implications for the specificity of adaptation, but I’m not sure it makes one “superior” to the other. The range of motion of the squat (assuming they’re talking about a squat taken to just below parallel) is somewhat arbitrary, as is the range of motion of a deadlift (which is defined as a consequence of the completely arbitrary 45 cm diameter of standard weight plates).

3

I never heard that claim - only that LBBS is superior to the HBBS in terms of posterior chain recruitment.