Quote: (08-01-2014 11:09 PM)Laurifer Wrote:
I'm not in pain when doing the lifts, but feel an imminent pull or sprain coming when im doing them. I will do squats occasionally as well. I usually wear those big waist belts that help prevent hernias and back injuries when doing these types of lifts. Even so, im usually stuck doing lighter weight. Wish i could step into the squat cage and crank outs reps like a monster without having to worry so much. I love the feeling that comes when your engaging almost every muscle in your legs and glutes.
Well, some further thoughts:
I doubt there's something inherently wrong with you that prevents you lifting heavy. I had lower back issues for years, like from when I got hit by a car in my teens to my mid-late 20s, and since I started doing compound barbell and heavy kettlebell lifts I feel better than ever. Compound lifts fixed my knee and ankle issues too.
My sacral and lower lumbar regions cry like little bitches when I'm done with deadlifts, but I've never actually hurt myself. You might just be feeling normal end-of-workout twinges. That said, if I feel my form slipping
at all I deload or stop completely, because getting one or two more reps at the risk of several weeks off lifting because I tweaked my back is a poor gamble.
I can't really help without you posting videos, but I'd say definitely ditch the belt, cut your working weights down to half of what you've been doing, and focus on form. If you can, hook up with a powerlifting coach for instruction. A belt is great for max efforts but you should be doing most of your lifts without one to build your core strength, and belt or not if your form is off you'll hurt yourself. Using a belt all the time is killing your core development.
Are you leaning back at the lockout or standing neutrally? I see lots of guys leaning way back like they're going for a world record after every rep and that is not good for your back at all.