Why Deadlifts Rock, Strength Training Vs. Functional Training, and Lessons From a New Dad
June 24, 2011 
4 Comments
You may have noticed some changes to the content and frequency of posting on my site the last several months. For almost 3 years I have posted twice a week, but felt the need this spring to cut back and focus on one quality article per week. What I found was that I have written better articles (at least in my mind) and continue to get more and more visitors (not less!). I also want to focus on more “projects” like my upcoming IASTM program and new websites.
I’m going to try to include more frequent “quick posts” like this one, linking to some other amazing content around the web but with a twist to include my thoughts on the articles as well.
Correcting Bad Posture: Are Deadlifts Enough?
Eric Cressey has a great article on why deadlifts rock. Actually, the article is about way more than that and actually concludes that deadlifts are not enough to correct bad posture, but are surely an important component. I couldn’t agree more. I think rehab specialists can really take some of this info and improve their rehab programs. Eric also has some great thoughts on what else you need to focus on in addition to deadlifts.
Strength Training Vs. Functional Training
Craig Leibenson breaks down the difference between traditional strength exercises and functional training. A great read with some valuable information on why we need to incorporate functional training into our programs. I still think we “strength training,” which gets a bad reputation in favor of the newer thought process on “functional” training, but I couldnt agree more about the importance of integrating functional training into our programs. If you miss this boat, you are missing a lot.
5 Lesson From a New Dad
Mike Robertson reflects on his first Father’s Day with this timely post. A good article that I am sure most of us can relate to, I know I did. I’m on my 3rd Father’s Day and they keep getting better…
Thanx Mike! Hello from RUSSIAN neuro-rehab specialist. These brief posts are great! I enjoy your blog very much! Special thanx for your W-lower trap ex. Many of my SCI- and post-stroke patients use it!
I agree deadlifts are great. I do think, however, that it’s an exercise to be added to a rehab/training program with caution. It is well documented lifting weights with a flexed spine puts the most strain on the lumbar discs. This will always be the biggest drawback to the deadlift. I use the exercise all the time, however I am careful who I choose it for and how much weight we use. It is a fine line we walk on this exercise.
Good points Trevor, many variations for different people can help, too.
Mike,
I’m careful with functional exercises with patients, I feel like a lot of functional exercises today are made up out of boredom. But like everything some are good some are bad, as long as we are prudent in judgement.
I would like to know your thoughts on sport specific drills and motor learning principles. Do you think the motor learning to complete sport specific task would directly affect or interfere with the actual skill itself? This may be more training than rehab though, just curious of your opinion.