Bruises from DLs

M

MarkMyWords

2
Hi all,

I wanted some input from deadlifters. I pretty much have constant bruises right above my knees from where the heavy weight is sliding down as I go down. I can't be the only one, right? I really don't see how it's avoidable either, since keeping the weight close to the body is important of course. I have heard mixed responses...that's just how it is...don't lift heavy as often...I don't like the sound of either one. Last week was Mon and Fri squat days, Wed DL day, this week is Mon and Fri DL, Wed squat. I was hoping I'd be healed up and ready to go today...well not exactly, and now they are all tore up. No cuts or scratches even, just bruising.
 
The weight never touches my legs. Sorry.
 
It's fine. BUT, you better not be tugging at the weight as some people do to get their PRs and whatnot. For me, my shins constantly bleed from dragging the weight up to close.. even at low weight, it's just habit to keep it close.
 
I see what you mean now MMW, i think it could be to do with your height a bit as well as when you bend down your knees will stick out further. It does it to me and i try to avoid it touching (which is almost impossible) and this makes my DLing uncomfortable.
 
BigTomW said:
I see what you mean now MMW, i think it could be to do with your height a bit as well as when you bend down your knees will stick out further. It does it to me and i try to avoid it touching (which is almost impossible) and this makes my DLing uncomfortable.
Click to expand...

You gotta sit more weight on your heels ***
 
Thanks for the responses peeps. TM and Kraken, I just don't understand how it doesn't slide down the lower 1/5th of the quad, that's the spot that bad for me, right above the knees. Really, my shins don't get it too bad, an occasional bump or bruise. It seems like my height might have something to do with it, but naturally, when I start dropping my hips, my knees bend somewhat and the weight just rides on down...hurts.
 
I think the saying that youve heard 'thats just how it is' is probably correct ya know. Maybe a week off DLing and let them heal. I think thats probably all you can do mate.
 
Yeah I reckon you might be right. Well I'm not sure if I can bring myself to take a week off from DL-ing, so I'll just have to deal. Might try to wrap my knees a little next time or something...
 
MarkMyWords said:
Hi all,

I wanted some input from deadlifters. I pretty much have constant bruises right above my knees from where the heavy weight is sliding down as I go down. I can't be the only one, right? I really don't see how it's avoidable either, since keeping the weight close to the body is important of course. I have heard mixed responses...that's just how it is...don't lift heavy as often...I don't like the sound of either one. Last week was Mon and Fri squat days, Wed DL day, this week is Mon and Fri DL, Wed squat. I was hoping I'd be healed up and ready to go today...well not exactly, and now they are all tore up. No cuts or scratches even, just bruising.
Click to expand...

You woman.
 
MarkMyWords said:
Hi all,

I wanted some input from deadlifters. I pretty much have constant bruises right above my knees from where the heavy weight is sliding down as I go down. I can't be the only one, right? I really don't see how it's avoidable either, since keeping the weight close to the body is important of course. I have heard mixed responses...that's just how it is...don't lift heavy as often...I don't like the sound of either one. Last week was Mon and Fri squat days, Wed DL day, this week is Mon and Fri DL, Wed squat. I was hoping I'd be healed up and ready to go today...well not exactly, and now they are all tore up. No cuts or scratches even, just bruising.
Click to expand...

Yes, keeping the weight close to you can be important, but you should be able to control the "working rep weight" enough to keep it from your chins, knees, and lower quads (or just above the knee).

What is the current weight and rep ranges you are working with at the present time? What "style" of Deads are you doing? Can you describe your form?


Keep ROCKEN......Man! :)

Best wishes,


Chillen
 
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Chillen said:
Yes, keeping the weight close to you can be important, but you should be able to control the "working rep weight" enough to keep it from your chins, knees, and lower quads (or just above the knee).

What is the current weight and rep ranges you are working with at the present time? What "style" of Deads are you doing? Can you describe your form?


Keep ROCKEN......Man! :)

Best wishes,


Chillen
Click to expand...

I do traditional deads, and I'm pretty confident my form is solid. I keep my back straight, chest out, shoulders back...lift with my legs and back in unison, never relying on just one. I drop my hips as I lower, but since my legs are so long, it just slides down my lower quad, over my knees, and that's where it's getting tore up.

I did deads on Monday, and my reps/sets were:

5 x 225
5 x 265
5 x 285
5 x 305
3 x 315

So yeah, things started getting rough even at 265, especially at 285. It's really not that bad I guess, just figured there might be a way to minimize the bruises.
 
MarkMyWords said:
I do traditional deads, and I'm pretty confident my form is solid. I keep my back straight, chest out, shoulders back...lift with my legs and back in unison, never relying on just one. I drop my hips as I lower, but since my legs are so long, it just slides down my lower quad, over my knees, and that's where it's getting tore up.



I did deads on Monday, and my reps/sets were:

5 x 225
5 x 265
5 x 285
5 x 305
3 x 315

So yeah, things started getting rough even at 265, especially at 285. It's really not that bad I guess, just figured there might be a way to minimize the bruises.
Click to expand...

How long in these rep ranges? Have you experimented with lighter weight, slightly higher reps, to see if this assists the problem? For example, walk in the gym, drop the weight intentionally (at weight in somewhat close proximity), say around 10 reps (or so), and see if pulling the weight up becomes more controllable. If it is, then progress from there to prevent leg shaffing. How big are your thighs, by chance?

Also, you may want to slow the speed, as you raise the bar from the floor, wait till your knees clear (or straighten up more, as you keep your back straight, its hard to explain, lol) before you pull up.

EDIT: IMO, you will get more physical benefit, by using a weight that is controllable, than a weight that is far to heavy. Sometimes people get "too" wrapped up in moving heavy weight, and sometimes this can prove more detrimental than any good.

Best wishes


Chillen
 
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video tape your form. I bet it's your form..
when you lower, put your hips back with slight knee bend as in the an RDL, then when the bar passes the knees start bending the knees to put it on the ground.
there are vids in Eric Cressey's "mastering the deadlift" series at t nation. Link to it in the technique articles sticky.
 
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