04/29/2026
Exercises I Rarely Program: #3 — Barbell Deadlifts From the Floor
Coach Gary breaks this one down 👇
Straight bar deadlifts off the ground are great… if you’re a powerlifter who has to compete that way.
For everyone else? They’re mostly unnecessary.
Yes — they make you feel strong.
Yes — they’re a classic lift.
But strength isn’t worth risking your back.
That’s why our go-to alternative is the trap bar deadlift:
✔️ Safer positioning
✔️ Less stress on the lower back
✔️ More core, quads, and glutes
✔️ You can still lift HEAVY
Same strength benefits.
Way less risk.
If you love the straight bar, take it to the rack and do rack pulls instead — elevated, controlled, and smarter.
Train hard. Train long.
Not injured. 💪