Do Deadlifts Hurt Your Back?

13 Dec 2023 · 1 min

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In this YouTube monologue, fitness coach Eric Roberts challenges common online criticisms of deadlifts. He argues that while deadlifts may not be the most efficient muscle‑building exercise, they are unparalleled for developing overall strength and a sense of power, which many lifters prioritize. Roberts refutes the claim that deadlifts damage the lower back, emphasizing that improper form is the true culprit for injury in any lift, and that performed correctly, deadlifts can actually strengthen and protect the lumbar region. He shares his personal programming approach: incorporating deadlifts once per week on a leg day, performing 2–4 sets of 3–5 repetitions, and avoiding high‑rep schemes. The video concludes with encouragement to incorporate deadlifts safely and enjoy the strength gains.

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A lot of people on the internet say that you shouldn't do deadlifts, and I couldn't disagree more. One of the reasons people say you shouldn't do them is because it isn't the best muscle building exercise out there, which you can still absolutely build muscle from deadlifts. But even if it isn't the best muscle building exercise, not everybody works out just to have the most amount of muscle mass humanly possible. A lot of people work out to get strong and feel strong as fuck, which deadlifts will absolutely do for you. People also say deadlifts are bad for your back, which again couldn't be farther from the truth. Deadlifts with bad form are bad for your back, but so is any exercise performed incorrectly. Deadlifts with proper form can actually be one of the best ways to strengthen and protect your lower back. I like to include deadlifts on one of my leg days per week, and I do anywhere from 2 to 4 sets for about 3 to 5 reps. You don't need to go super high reps with your deadlifts. Hope it helped and happy deadlifting.