Deadlifts. First rep is the hardest.

[Endo MD]

I have been lifting for years but just started Deadlifting in March thanks to this board. They are progressing nicely, I recently did a set of 455x5. My question, and I wonder if anyone else has this problem, is that my first rep in a set is always by far the hardest. Is this normal? Even my first pull at 315 when warming up is difficult, yet I can rep out a solid set of 12 after that.

Today I was warming up and got to 365 and I noticed my first warm up rep was extremely difficult. I almost did not get the pull. I changed my workout to 10 sets of 1 at 365 and the lifts, strangely, progressively, got easier.

Stats (because I know they will be asked) 5'9" 240 20%

 

[enigma4dub]

thats pretty typical, my first rep always feels different than the rest.

 

[Eric1987]

Whats the safest to go without a back brace? I dont wanna go too high without one.

 

[fortunatesun]

It's still that way even after years of deadlifting. You're going into your first rep from a state of rest. Afterwards, your CNS can better anticipate and reflex comes into play at the bottom, even if you fully deload before your next rep.

 

[fortunatesun]

Whats the safest to go without a back brace? I dont wanna go too high without one.

It's not how high but learning proper technique:

http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/power-lifting/deadlift-354220.html

Strengthening all your support groups- abs, obliques, posterior chain and lifting correctly will keep you healthy.

 

[Endo MD]

Thanks for the replies. Good to know that others experience the same thing.

Also on my 10x1 sets I was only taking a short.. 45 secondish break between sets. My CNS was probably still "hot" so that's why they were all easier than the first.

 

[dabuffguy]

Whats the safest to go without a back brace? I dont wanna go too high without one.

just always wear one. Why wouldn't you?

 

[Eric1987]

Well because I dont have one....

 

[enigma4dub]

just always wear one. Why wouldn't you?

thats how a belt becomes a crutch.... save the belt for max attempts when you are over 2x bw.

 

[dabuffguy]

thats how a belt becomes a crutch.... save the belt for max attempts when you are over 2x bw.

I always use one even if I'm warming up with 135, and I have maxed at 5 plates (495) before. But, it must be known that I have bad low back issues with a herniated disk and a previous fracture. So, call it a crutch if you want, but I need it.