A Strong Case For the Rounded Back Deadlift
by Bret Contreras -

If a neutral spine is the best way to deadlift, why are most lifters stronger when they deadlift with a rounded back?

Livespill Chaos

TRexMoney: Great article in regard to the subject and exercises, but I have to agree with Cold_Summer about Mahler. Yes, he learned from Pavel, but definitely was the pioneer behind heavy double kettlebell training. Mahler had all the great programs (EDT, Rest Pause, 5 x 5, Cluster, HIIT, Russian Bear) implementing kettlebells. Now guys like Neupert are trying to ride the coattails. Pavel is not a big believer in squats. Mahler, in my opinion is the go to guy w/ double kettlebells

humble: Kettlebells are great to teach tension but not just for the sake of tension, rather teaching it at the appropriate timing. Having said that, it won't be achieved with front squats of just pressing or doing normal movements with a kettlebell. The only way to learn tension with kettlebells is through the dynamic and explosive lifts, ie, snatches, cleans, push presses and or snatch to throws behind ones self. I own a kettlebell business and have used them for years. They are only a supplement

Socrastein: ie anything that forces a SHIT load of extra tension teaches you to almost overcompensate when you get back to the barbell, and suddenly near-maximal loads start feeling light and easy to control. Great article Sergio.

Socrastein: Sergio I for one am more impressed by the fact that you're not quite a "seasoned" lifter. I would expect anyone with a 400+ lb front squat to have an in-depth understanding of the importance of tension, but the fact that you aren't there yet and already show such appreciation and understanding for this concept, enough that you are able to share great points on it in this article, is respectable to me. I've found heavy sandbags to be beneficial in the same way as KBs...

Sergio Merino: @DSSG Just providing information here

Sergio Merino: @oly-ali I originally wrote double 24's and meant (kilograms). At that time, I was more focused in the back squat and used the front squat as a supplemental lift for higher reps.Regardless of numbers, the take home point is using the kettlebell lifts can teach how to utilize tension which can lead to increased strength through improved motor control of the skeletal muscle involved in the movement.

Forum Action

I'm Back....Sorta!!!!

Clean Bulk on a Low Carb/High Fat Diet?

Books That Changed Your Life

Olympia Preview!

Body Built for Retirement

Biker's Indigo-3G Log

Would You, Quintus? Would I?

Boobs That Changed Your Life

Gut Health! Sort of a Log

Back Hypertrophy Question

Gwyneth Paltrow 'Most Beautiful Woman'

Get Rid of Anterior Pelvic Tilt

CT and Master's Olympic Weightlifting

More...

Bret Contreras has a master's degree from ASU and a CSCS certification from the NSCA. He is currently studying to receive his PhD in Sports Science at the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) at AUT University in Auckland, New Zealand. Visit his blog at www.BretContreras.com and his research review service at www.StrengthandConditioningResearch.com.