Started a new training block today! Bringing back paused deadlifts, it’s been over a year I think. Opted for a pause below the knee instead of right off the floor, feels pretty good.

Last block ended very well. 545 is my new “every day max”; I can pull it fairly comfy on any given day. Nutrition has been decent. Main focus has been hydrating throughout the day bc I work outdoors. Also making sure I get lots of carbs towards the end of my workdays.

LESGETIT

First year training with the barbell done, so I'm hoping to take it a bit more seriously on the technical end of lifts and maybe schedule my first meet sometime in the upcoming year.

Looking for any suggestions to help progress on my conventional deadlift. Other lifts have been progressing pretty smoothly, and the last time I attempted 140kg for a single, the hardest part was breaking the floor (corrected mostly with a lot of deficit pulling). Now it seems like the hardest part is locking out and I suspect it's a setup issue or something because I've pulled RDLs just under this weight (120/130kg) for reps in my accumulation block. I've tried using a handful of cues (esp. Sebastian Oreb's), but idk if it is sticking — maybe I'm overthinking during setup.

I'm 5'4" (163cm), ~67kg

Squat: ~140kg

Bench: ~110kg

Deadlift: ~150kg

Retesting in a few weeks, but I'm not feeling confident on hitting a PR on the deadlift.

I also performed a second set at 140kg while recording the side profile. It seems like I can only upload a single video, so I'll try to upload in the comments.

Before you watch note that this is Adam Meakins a no B.S. British PT who is a little bit foul-mouthed and a very much direct. He doesn't really believe form, posture etc is that important and dislikes the glass-back types thinking of McGill and ATG. His view seems to be you recover from a bad back by getting stronger (i.e. returning to deadlifting).

The story captures his journey from disc herniation thru deadlifting again.

https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17941957417994095/?hl=en

I was wondering if I can get some advice on my form. I know the first step would probably be to get flatter shoes. The runners I have on have too much cushion which makes me lean forward when descending. Other than that, is there anything I can improve on? I have a herniated disc so I’m trying to protect my lower back as much as possible before going heavier.

Deadlifting since a bit over a year now, with 3 months pause due to back issues caused by barbell rows.

I do hex because it feels more natural to me and the classic grip (one palm up, one palm down) hurts my shoulder.

It feels pretty solid, but I could use some advice.

Kneesleeves are just because I have a quadriceps tendinosis at the moment and they help me stay warm. They are too loose to secure anything.

No Strips, just chalk.

Oh and: BW 108kg, 160kg deadlift for 3 sets of 5

Ugly but got it up. Best conventional is still 705 at a tick under 170BW. Working my way back up after stopping training.

Doing these with a V handle feels great, pushed that last rep a bit to hard and now my back is pissed off

That TUT is about the equivalent of 15-20 reps done normal speed

1st vid - 230 for 2 pre-peak

2nd vid - 3 weeks out

3rd vid - 2 weeks out

4th vid - max attempt day

5th - failed 250 🫪🫪

Honestly, can't be mad with this. Feel my form has improved and most importantly held for my max attempt. Sadly I just wasn't strong enough.

Working on lots of upper back and hamstring strength now.

Any thoughts welcome. Happy Saturday!

I pull conventional usually but have recently started messing around with sumo and found that it was indeed easier, but this would have even a 90lb pr so certainly too large of a jump lol.

New PR!

Ramping up to test my max next week, wish me luck

Just went up to the work gym on lunch to hit a few deads for the sensitive boys who banned me 🫶🏼

Just for context, my current conventional deadlift max on a straight bar is 585 lbs with a double-overhand grip.
I’ve been programming sumo deadlifts because they have a lot of benefits, and they’ve actually helped increase my conventional deadlift by teaching me to use more leg drive off the floor.

That said, my sumo is still much weaker than my conventional. I haven’t tested my sumo max in a while, but yesterday I hit 500 lbs for 2 pretty easy reps and felt like I had either more weight or more reps in me.

I’m curious what you guys think of my sumo form. Should I turn my feet out more? Should I widen my stance? Is there anything else you notice that I could improve?

Appreciate any feedback.

This evenings workout went well. I'm feeling pretty sore and exhausted.

FitNotes Workout - Wednesday 26th August 2026

** Walking (Treadmill) **

- 10:00

** Bird Dog **

- 10 reps

- 10 reps

- 10 reps

** Deadlift **

- 155.0 lbs x 10 reps

- 245.0 lbs x 5 reps

- 335.0 lbs x 3 reps

- 425.0 lbs x 1 rep

- 445.0 lbs x 5 reps

- 445.0 lbs x 5 reps

- 445.0 lbs x 5 reps

- 405.0 lbs x 6 reps

** Romanian Deadlifts **

- 335.0 lbs x 6 reps

- 335.0 lbs x 6 reps

** Lying Leg Curl Machine **

- 125.0 lbs x 10 reps

- 125.0 lbs x 10 reps

- 125.0 lbs x 10 reps

#deadlifts #strongback #stronggrip #strongbody

195 body weight. Lifting since the end of May 2025 and deadlifting since December. Starting weight was 150 or so. I'm more than thrilled with my progress so far. Hoping to hit the 1000 club next year. I'm extremely open to form critiques.