Deadlift and bent-over row technique....

[GTC]

When it says "keep the back straight" when performing deadlifts or bent-over rows, does this mean straight as in hyperextended? This is really hard to do when you're bent over and have a barbell in your hands because the weight pulls your body downwards a little so you back is not entirely straight.
And when you do deadlifts you can't keep your back straight the whole time because you've got to reach down to grab the barbell. Even with the knees bent I still have to bend my back a little to reach down to the bar.
I'm pretty sure I'm doing it correctly though because I haven't injured myself upto now (touch wood!) and the right muscles ache the next day.

P.S- How does the karma thing work? I've got negative karma but I don't know why, I haven't offended anyone and I never will. Yesterday I had -72 or something and today I only have -20 something but I haven't done anything since I had -72. Why has it changed? What does karmatic power mean? What's it for?

Thanks

 

[s8nlilhlpr]

Yes, it is difficult to keep your back arched. You must do it anyways. Try not to think of it as straight, but as curving inward slightly. From what I've seen, most people that think their back is "straight" usually have a huge rounded back at the bottom of the movement, and simply straighten out near the end. When setting up for deads, I find it easiest to grip the bar, then force my legs completely straight. It kinda forces my back in to the right position, then I simply drop my legs/hips back down and pull upwards

 

[lacoste]

When doing bent over rows, as long as I try and keep my ass stuck out and my chest pushed forward i'm able to maintain that arch in my back. I use to do them wrong and always feel it in my lower back but ever since someone showed me that it relieved all the strain and I really feel that good muslce soarness in the right part of my back not my lower back.

 

[LiftingDukkha]

"Drive your feet through the floor" -- Imagine trying to push your feet through the floor, instead of actually picking up the barbell; it's the simplest way of keeping your back straightest during the Deadlift. Imagine trying to grip the barbell as if you're trying to pull against it to pull yourself down through the floor to crash through the floor into the space below the floor.

 

[TheOak84]

ive read if ur back is over tight, that can cause problems...

think about if u over tighten a bolt... it might snap...

i keep in mind, deep breath, chest out, butt down, abs tight, breathe out

 

[NorgePrecision]

I just try to stick my ass out as much as possible when doing deads and rows. It works every time, and the ladies get a little show too.