Indirect Deadlift Training - RDL or GM?

[Anthrax Invasion]

I know that WSB uses indirect training to raise their DL numbers. The most popular lift for this is the GM. Coupled with power cleans, high pulls, and rack deadlifts, the GMs are staples to a big deadlift. However, the lift feels more dangerous to my lower back than RDLs do, and the targets of the lifts are relatively the same.

That said, can I utilize the RDL in place of the GM, which is in place of my deadlift for now?

 

[Jim Ouini]

I like RDL's since it mimics the finish of my dead and it's good practice for a safe eccentric.

But I want to get good at GM's, I think WSB guys say you HAVE to GM to bring up your dead. I can only go to 205-215 on these, though

 

[AEKDB]

I think it is the opposite. I know that my deadlifting has improved my cleans and GM. I am a firm beliver that the best way to train the deadlift is to deadlift. Same with the squat.

 

[Madcow2]

Westside doesn't use any OLs or variants. The use GM, G/H, box squat etc...They do pull a lot more than they used to though, speed deads are also used. I'm not a WSB authority but that's not too far off and certainly not on the OL variant point.

The Starr article that Louie sites for not deadlifting often is the Starr article that includes a ton of OL based pulls but he only takes the GM.

My thought would be that if you don't want to deadlift but will be doing other pulls, all else held equal the GM is going to be more valuable than the RDL simply because of less redundancy.

 

[Anthrax Invasion]

I just figured the GM will be more harmful to my back than the RDL would.

Also, I know WSB doesn't use the olympic lifts, but they can still be a great way to increase one's deadlift. Pulling strength is pulling strength, and learning to accelerate that can help even more.

 

[Madcow2]

Also, I know WSB doesn't use the olympic lifts, but they can still be a great way to increase one's deadlift. Pulling strength is pulling strength, and learning to accelerate that can help even more.

LOL - preaching to the choir but maybe something you'd want to avoid touching on if you intend to ask Louie about training around your back injury.

 

[kiloamp]

I know that WSB uses indirect training to raise their DL numbers. The most popular lift for this is the GM. Coupled with power cleans, high pulls, and rack deadlifts, the GMs are staples to a big deadlift. However, the lift feels more dangerous to my lower back than RDLs do, and the targets of the lifts are relatively the same.

That said, can I utilize the RDL in place of the GM, which is in place of my deadlift for now?

I do agree that GMs tend to feel a bit dangerous especially when done heavy and over a wide range of motion. After watching the "Training Hall" tapes, I shortened the range of motion on my heavier sets of GMs and that has made all the difference. Aside from that, if I had to choose one exercise to do over the other, it would choose RDLs.

 

[StiLL_ShurGGIN]

something for u to read if u want to increase ur deadlift

 

[bignate73]

i prefer GM's to RDL's hands down. GM's force control of your hips and hams, whereas RDL's seem to be limited due to bar travel. GM's force bar travel a bit more, because of balance and such. if you go too far forward on GM's you'll get instant feedback and alot of it...which is why some people are so leary of them. RDL's are probably safer but also are basically a deadlift with straighter legs....i see no variation there. it just seems like an alreadly leg locked deadlift. GM's seem more like a "training" exercise specific to the support and prime movers of the posterior chain..

then again my logic can be extremely flawed right now due to the amount of wine i've consumed this evening.

cheers!

 

[blut wump]

I spent a month or so working GMs and was upto around 250 (115Kg) for sets of triples. You do get pretty instant feedback with the GMs when you're going awry but a little experimentation lets you avoid it. I really liked the movement, especially the aspect of so much of the body beng held under tension to control the weight.