14 Comments
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Kyle Shepard's avatar

You’re the man. Concise, funny, and practical.

Love the idea of progressive overload at your 70-80% range while emphasizing technique and efficiency in the movement.

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Scott Shetler's avatar

Thanks man, I appreciate it!

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Gary Hassay's avatar

Isn't there something to be said about staying at the weight you're at for a week (or even a month) and slowly increasing? Hitting your PR for a week or month straight seems like a perfectly fine goal and reduces the risk of over doing it.

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Scott Shetler's avatar

Absolutely, and there is a periodization method referred to as "step loading" that is essentially what you described. You stay at a given weight for a period of training sessions before increasing a small amount and repeating. I'm a fan of the double progression method people like Alan Calvert and George Hackenschmidt promoted. Start with a weight you can do for 10 reps and do 5 reps. Every 3rd workout add 1 rep. Once you hit 10 reps, add 5-10 lbs and start again. A very intelligent, and safe, system of progression!

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Warburton Expat's avatar

Oberst is an obese user of anabolic steroids. He developed his opinion on the deadlift when he hurt himself pulling 800lbs in a competition after having started deadlifting three weeks before. His opinions on health are irrelevant.

Deadlifting needs no defence. Defending deadlifting is like defending eating vegetables, being out in the sunshine, seeing flowers and hearing the laughter of children.

Deadlifting is the way to live.

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Scott Shetler's avatar

I love this, thank you!

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Joseph Fusco's avatar

It's not a deadlift, it's a "life" lift.

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Scott Shetler's avatar

💯 exactly!

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Tom Baker's avatar

I love deadlifting too! The single progression method is appealing to me- think I might give that a try.

For me, using a trap bar instead of a straight bar works a lot better. What are your thoughts on that?

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Scott Shetler's avatar

Trap bar is a fine substitute for sure! Single progression is a solid method, it allows you to slowly and incrementally build strength. If you haven't come across George Hackenschmidt's book "The Way to Live" I highly recommend it. There is so much knowledge from that era that doesn't get enough credit. Also, if that kind of stuff interests you I strongly recommend Conner Heffernan's blog Physical Culture study. More people should know about Conner, and his book "The History of Physical Culture" is a must read! Thanks!

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Tom Baker's avatar

Thanks for sharing. I will check out 💪

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Scott Shetler's avatar

You're welcome!

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Bo Link's avatar

Deadlifts are great! I’ve been following Wendler’s 5/3/1 for a while now, and deadlift days are usually my favorite day of the week.

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Scott Shetler's avatar

That's awesome! Wendler's program is solid and extremely adaptable to nearly anyone-great choice. Plus he's very entertaining and intelligent about training, I enjoy listening to his Live Fridays and the various podcasts he's been on. It's been cool to see his evolution from multi-ply powerlifter to 531 and coaching HS Football players. I'm with you on deadlifts being the favorite of the week, thanks for checking out my Substack and all the best to you Bo!

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