Deadlift stance question

Blacktie.

When I was warming up doing my deadlifts I decided to try it with my legs spread out a little bit farther apart. I usually keep my legs about shoulder width apart. When I did this I found it to be a good bit easier. So 2 quick questions-

1) Does deadlifting with a wider stance make it easier? (reduced ROM or something?)

2) Is the "normal" deadlift the best for building size and strength if the wider stance makes it feel easier?

brianthebard

Sounds like you stumbled on a sumo stance. Here are some articles that will explain more;

http://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2010/01/sumo-deadlift-don-cullinane.html
http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/374/

reduced ROM can make it easier, but as you move up in weight it will become proportionately harder to break the weight off the ground than a conventional dead. Imo at least.

Kev M

Very quickly get yourself set up to do the highest vertical jump you can, and the foot position you naturally take on should be perfect.


1) Depends on the person.
2) Yes. But the wider stance won't be easier for everyone.

Transform

Kev M wrote: »

Very quickly get yourself set up to do the highest vertical jump you can, and the foot position you naturally take on should be perfect.


1) Depends on the person.
2) Yes. But the wider stance won't be easier for everyone.

my experience is that a sumo stance is best for heavy deadlifts for me as a taller lifter but its really a personal thing. I go normal stance up to 140-160kg and switch to sumo when working up to over 200kg

Both methods work and the most important thing is that you are getting stronger regardless of the stance (obviously with good form).