I’ve just finished the 5th week of Powerbuilding I. Next week I’m supposed to switch from RDL to Stiff leg deadlifts. I usually train in my office gym where I can’t really throw barbells on the ground, so for deadlift day I go to a public gym and for Pendlay rows I use crash pads. Is using crash pads for stiff legged deadlift a no-go? They are about 15cm/6inch thick.
By the way, in the 3 years of trainig BBM-style I learned that my deadlift improves best if the supplemental exercise are RDLs. Paused deadlifts, deadlifts with mini bands or rack pulls don’t do much for me. RDLs add about 2-4 kgs a week to my deadlift while other variations around 1-2 kgs a week. So I’m also considering staying with RDLs. If I decide to stick with RDLs, should I do 10 reps instead of 8 prescribed for SLDLs?
While I don’t have a clear preference for SLDL vs RDL, I think changing the exercise in this context would be preferable.
I wouldn’t write off deficit, paused, or rack deadlifts just yet as I think all will be more useful than RDLs and SLDLs in getting your deadlift closer to 500, should that be something you’re interested in.
I did “rack pulls” (from the crash pads) this morning. It’s a useful variation, thanks for the tip! I might do paused deadlifts or deficit in the next cycle.
My goal is to get to about 170-180kg, so 400 pounds. I lift only about 6 to 8 months each year, in the summer I typically do endurance sports outdoors. Getting to 500 might be too much effort for me
