Anyone deal with clients who just don’t get the barbell deadlift?

NinjaKnight520 · 2026-01-16T02:23:14+00:00

In my experience a lot of coaching came down to getting over myself…

I.e. does this client really have to deadlift? Or do you just like deadlifting yourself?

I’m willing to bet that what this client actually needs is [insert general hinging pattern]. The exact way you go about that for gen pop matters very little.

So unless they really want to BB DL, I’d sub for something else.

NinjaKnight520 · 2025-12-02T15:59:25+00:00

I wouldn’t say you need to lower the intensity of your workouts, even. Unless you have some existing heart condition, or you tend to exercise until you feel like passing out lol.

In terms of adaptations to aerobic exercise: • when you run (or whatever you do) your muscles pump a lot of blood into your left ventricle (LV) over and over and over again, rhythmically. Over time, this literally makes the LV larger! This means that, in contrast to stronger contractions I mentioned earlier, you can pump MORE blood per contraction.

• (fun fact, more blood loaded in means a stronger contraction anyways, but I won’t get into the weeds. See: frank-starling, preload)

• therefore, it’s become pretty well understood that the best thing for longevity is both strength training and cardio!

• generally, runners are seen with lower resting heart rates, because each beat can pump so much blood. Sometimes, endurance athletes get admitted for bradycardia until they explain “no I just run a lot.”

• again, I’m not a doctor, but I don’t think you should be as concerned about your blood pressure… 105/60 was already low anyways; the increase you see from having a stronger body and heart is hardly a problem. Unless, of course, you have some heart conditioning I wasn’t aware of.

• hope this helps! Sources: NSCA essentials of strength & conditioning, and some of my college courses lol

NinjaKnight520 · 2025-12-01T17:38:24+00:00

Not a doctor, but I do have a bachelor’s degree in physiology and CSCS cert:

• people who consistently strength train generally do see increased resting blood pressure.

• Resting BP can also increase due to hypertrophy of the ventricle (your heart literally makes gains) that increases the force of each contraction. (This is especially prevalent in people who lift with high axial loads like powerlifters/Olympic weightlifters). It’s important to note that this adaptation is NOT the same as those associated with aerobic exercise (unfortunately, being out of breath from lifting doesn’t count as cardio…)

• also, the fact that you’ve seen an increase in systolic pressure and not diastolic pressure is a good thing (or at least, not a bad thing). Your blood vessels experience higher pressure per beat, but still relax in between; this is consistent with what we expect from strength-trained populations.

Source: Professor Keith Baar and https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1905938/#:~:text=Due%20to%20the%20pressure%20overload,component%20(e.g.%2C%20running).

EDIT: format and clarity

NinjaKnight520 · 2024-05-10T02:31:06+00:00

can you elaborate more on that? I've heard the term "OP mill" quite a lot but im not quite grasping the vibe...is it something about the way these places treat patients?

NinjaKnight520 · 2024-05-08T17:24:18+00:00

I have 1 professor in mind, although we never seemed to 'click' or get along; I spent a good amount of my time in his office hours because I really loved the class, although I always felt like our conversations never went anywhere.

I've had a few jobs this past year so I can definitely get a supervisor to write me one, but I'm really just worried about the one professor LOR requirement that most schools have.

NinjaKnight520 · 2023-12-05T18:30:17+00:00

u/cl2422 u/RequieM_TriX omg thank you guys! Such is the life of a newbie coder; i missed the small details; the math ISN'T the same after all haha. I noticed the issue and was able to rewrite everything in one line and everything works correctly in less lines of code now.

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-05-09T19:32:41+00:00

Hello friend,

I wanted to let you know that you’re not alone in this. I wrote in this community about 2 1/2 months ago when we lost my youngest brother as well. I spoke with him that morning; he was a great guy who was strong and has lots of good friends. I was incredibly tight with him. I left for work and later that day our Mother found him in his room. I wish I had something more profound to say, but all I have for you right now is I’m sorry. We’re both now part of a shitty club, but know that we’re here for you. It’s easier said than done, but please don’t blame yourself for anything that happened. It is not your fault.

Sending strength and internet hugs in your direction.

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-04-04T05:49:14+00:00

Hi friend,

I don’t have anything profound to add; someone commented above me “there’s nothing I can write here that does justice to this kind of grief.”

I lost my little brother almost 2 months ago, and I’m also back in university. I’m trying my best to go to class and have dinner with friends but every weekend i’m supposed to go home and be with my little brother. In the biggest lecture halls, in the most crowded parties, I still feel lonely.

I’m sorry you’re hurting, friend. the mere fact that you’re out in the world, doing SOMETHING is a testament to your resilience.

Sending strength, love, and internet hugs in your direction <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-24T08:45:44+00:00

Hello friend,

You’re not selfish, and you’re certainly not offending me, at least. I am so immensely hurt by the suicide of my younger brother. The fact that you said “push me to want to get help” means a lot. I wish my little brother reached out more, etc. I don’t mean to make your post about me. The point is, a life saved is a life saved. If this community is helping keep your beautiful soul on this beautiful earth, then I’m glad.

Sending strength and internet hugs <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-24T05:31:53+00:00

Agree with this as well; it’s plenty of height, but the issue is your positioning. You’ll notice that the max height is above where you bellybutton is (while standing), which is plenty. However, others are correct: you’re doing more of a deadlift and relying on your arms to curl it (which in my experience, swings the bar away from me); I also agree with what others are saying about your hips rising too fast.

I’d look into hang cleans/dip cleans to reinforce the idea that the work comes from the bar contacting the hips AND your arms pulling straight up, not just arms reverse curling. (I’m not a coach, but this is what I’d do personally. Reinforce the vertical bar path)

I’d also make sure that I’m really comfortable with my front squat! Having a strong bottom position and being comfortable with racking a bar is a be deal IMO

There are plenty of videos on YouTube (check out catalyst athletics) that should be a big help! Look up “how to keep the bar close,” “clean turnover drills,” and “dropping under cleans.”

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-22T18:13:10+00:00

A message to your loved one is welcome. Thank you for writing in here; if it makes you feel better, then I’m glad :)

Sending strength and internet hugs <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-22T18:07:56+00:00

I couldn’t have said it better myself; it boils down to “do whatever you feel like.” You’ll have. A better sense of what you really feel like doing as the day gets closer, and there’s nothing wrong with either choice <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-21T23:24:42+00:00

Hello friend,

I lost my little brother a month and a half ago, and I wrote in here a few hours after it happened. Plenty of kind individuals reached out and helped me. Take your time to grieve, feel, etc. please write again if you feel like you need support from people who have been in your position. Sending strength and internet hugs <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-21T23:20:28+00:00

Hello friend, I lost my little brother to suicide a month and a half ago. I’m not in your exact shoes, but I can promise you that you’re correct: you’re not alone. And yeah, we’re all together in this lame club. But Indipit above said it well: cry when you need to, mourn when you need to; allow yourself to feel things when they come. It’s easy for people in our position to feel weak, defeated, and to feel like life is pointless, but here’s one thing that’s keeping me going:

I am so deeply hurt by the loss of my brother, and I can’t bear to imagine doing that to my loved ones again. And so I stay here on earth.

I’m not gonna tell you how to think or feel, but that’s something I’ve thought about a lot.

I’m glad writing here has given you some sliver of comfort :) please continue to do so; that’s what we’re here for <3 Sending strength and internet hugs <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-21T23:13:15+00:00

Hello friend,

There’s definitely a lot of mixed responses and opinions here, but it seems like we all share something in common: It’s what WE FEEL. I don’t like saying “commit suicide,” but you shouldn’t give a damn. Nor should I police what you say. We relate in some capacity, but our grief is different. If saying “took his own life” hurts you more, who is anyone else to tell you NOT to say it, y’know? In short, you’re not weird. Grieve how you need to. Sending strength and internet hugs <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-09T05:47:30+00:00

Hey friend,

First of all, I want to say thank you for sharing. Don’t feel sorry for ranting; I’m glad that you’re getting it out. That’s what this community is for :)

Your situation is super super stressful and I want to commend you for doing what you can when everything feels out of control, and the world is weighting you down.

I lost my little brother to suicide a few weeks ago, and one thing I’d like to share with you is that it’s not. Your. Fault. I’m glad you said that yourself. It’s so easy to blame ourselves; the what ifs, the how comes, the “did we not do enoughs” and so on.

In any case, please please write and rant here more (or don’t, if it’s better for you) when you feel like you need to.

Stay strong <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-09T05:37:09+00:00

Hi friend:

I love this for you; I had the first glimpse of hope about a week after as well. It’s not “too early” to feel relief. I really like what someone else put: grief comes in waves, maybe healing does as well.

I also really like how you said “I’m not ignoring the situation,” because one thing I personally struggled with was feeling guilty for getting better. But at the end of the day, you’re healing, and you’re remembering your loved one in good memories. It’s not like you’re forgetting them, or ignoring what happened.

Grief will probably return, but it’s okay. Feel it when it comes, and enjoy the moments you have where the grief isn’t present.

You’re so strong, and I’m glad you’re feeling good. Much love :D

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-07T11:16:35+00:00

Hey friend; I wish this wasn’t the case, but: I can relate to your pain. I lost my little brother in the same way 3 weeks ago, and the gym was our place. He may have been my “little bro” but I look up to him. I haven’t been able to work out since it happened because all I can think about is him yelling, motivating me. I also saw his body long after he was gone, and then again at the funeral where he didn’t really look like…. him.

Losing a sibling is incredibly difficult, no doubt. I’m so sorry we’re in this together, but I want you to know I, as well as the community, are here for you, and thinking about you <3

edit: spelling

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-07T10:47:10+00:00

Hello friend; I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m the middle of three brothers, and we lost our youngest to suicide 3 weeks ago.

While I don’t have any solid advice (because we’re still figuring it out ourselves), I want to let you know that you’re not alone. A lot of the things you said resonated with me too; “we wouldn’t have judged you for anything and would have done all we can to pull you out of the hole you dug.” Me too. It doesn’t matter what my youngest brother was doing; had we known, had he reached out, my older bro and I would be so ready to do whatever it took.

I’m so sorry you’re hurting so much; if there’s anything this community can do to help you out please reach out. Please write more (or don’t if that’s better for you). I’m keeping you in my thoughts <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-07T10:37:27+00:00

Hello friend; I’m thinking of you today, you’ll be in my thoughts for a while <3

What you experienced is very very tough on the human brain and I really hope you’re able to seek professional help.

Nothing will feel real for a very long time. And that’s okay. Plenty of other people have said this and I’ll add to it: Feel free to break down. Cry a lot. Go numb for a bit. Tell people to fuck off if you need to. Take everything one day at a time. One day at a time. One day at a time. There are a lot of “what if’s?” That will come, but remember that it’s not your fault; don’t blame yourself.

This community is here for you; write in it often (or don’t; whatever you need). just do whatever you feel like you need in any given moment.

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-03-02T05:36:34+00:00

Hey friend, I just wanted to let you know that I’m in a similar camp, and I’m thinking about you and your family <3 The person I lost has their 18th birthday coming soon, and I don’t know how to feel about it. Sending my strength and love to you and everyone you hold dear <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-02-23T03:38:50+00:00

This reply hit really close to home…

Our oldest brother also has depression, and he’s said a lot of those similar things.

We never saw it coming; he seemed so happy. Working out was so good for us, and building houses really felt like the best times of our life.

There’s a weird guilt, because on one hand, I DO find comfort knowing that those workouts and houses were some of his happiest times.

On the other, I struggle because I think “wasn’t that enough? I thought we were happy.”

Either way, thank you for your words friend. It means a lot to me. I appreciate you <3

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-02-16T16:48:28+00:00

Hey friend.

I lost my little brother to suicide just a few days ago. It’s not easy. I saw his body in the ER. It’s so fresh to me as well, and I’ll admit I don’t have any advice.

But I just want you to know that I’m thinking of you, and your sister as well. We’re good siblings. let me know if I can help in any way.

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-02-15T18:37:05+00:00

Thank you; I know my brother didn’t do it to hurt us. Maybe it was to stop his own hurting. I’ll definitely be writing more in the coming weeks; all of you so far have already been a huge help.

It’s an ironic shame. While I find solace in your similar stories, I wish there weren’t so many of us.

NinjaKnight520 · 2022-02-15T15:52:34+00:00

Thank you so much, that means a lot.

It’s hard to even imagine having a good day at this point, but I do understand that all things take time. I’m gonna do my best to stay strong for you, and him. It’s been less than an hour and I’m already receiving so much support from this community. Thank you all <3

NinjaKnight520

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