Resistance training and moving our bodies have been proven to be an essential piece of the health and wellness puzzle. Yet, injuries and pain can get in the way of our goals. It can even lead us to throw in the towel before we’ve even developed a solid habit.
With the internet ever-ingrained in our daily lives, it’s also easy to be led astray. And many of these popular training exercises can lead to spinal misalignments, impacting your daily function and life.
The deadlift is one exercise that has gained traction for its ability to grow and strengthen the glutes. But, at Posture & Wellness Chiropractic, we actually don’t recommend it. Here’s why!
Why Shouldn’t You Deadlift?
The deadlift primarily targets the posterior chain, which includes the muscles of the back, glutes, hamstrings, and, to a lesser extent, the quadriceps. It also engages the core muscles, forearms, and grip strength. We’ll often hear how important good form is, which is 100% true for all exercise. However, even with good form, the deadlift can do some damage to your lower back.
The load, when performing a deadlift, goes through the lower back. Unfortunately, this places stress on the spine, which can cause pain, postural problems, and injuries down the line.
Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t strengthen the glutes and hamstrings. Yet, doing so doesn’t have to involve placing your spine in harm’s way. Other exercises that can engage these muscles include:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Cable kickbacks
- Glute bridges
If you love deadlifts and don’t want to go without them, we recommend, at least, using a hex bar to alleviate some stress on the spine.
And if you’re experiencing lower back pain, your Finsbury chiropractor can help. Book your FREE discovery call to discover how chiropractic care can alleviate your pain and elevate your health. BOOK NOW.