Question about Stiff Leg Dead-lifts - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Liz]

Hi - I have a question for all you seasoned trainers. I have a client I've been working with for about 2 months. I recently had her start doing stiff leg deadlifts and when I tell her where she should be feeling the muscle working, she says she absolutely does not feel it there. When I ask her WHERE she feels it, she just says, "I don't know."

I really feel this would be a good exercise for her, but she almost seems skeptical when I have her do it, because she says she doesn't feel it in her legs. It appears like her form is correct and she doesn't say she feels it in her back - so what do I do?

Do I still have her do the exercise and trust that it's working? Or do I just bag it altogether? Is it normal for this particular exercise to be a little "confusing" for people new to exercise?

[Namus]

what exactly are you trying to target?

I'm just trying to think of possible replacement exercises in the event this doesn't work out....perhaps some 'good mornings' (similar to deads)

I don't know what her goals are, but how about trying hamstring curls on a swiss ball??

Even for beginners, deads and squats are the sorts of exercises which people should feel straight away (one way or another); perhaps the weight wasn't enough??

Deads and squats are arguably the two most technical exercises which a beginner will learn, so it's abnormal to find clients who are confused...

[jlling]

Also, ask her to aim the bar during the eccentric portion over her toes rather than closer to the ankle. I've had a few clients that couldn't feel them until I told them to move the bar away a few inches.

[Namus]

sorry, meant to write; it's not abnormal to find clients who are confused with deads

[Liz]

Thank you! Those suggestions were wonderful and THIS time around, my client DID feel them where she was supposed to.