Are deadlifts bad for your back?

Sure. And while we're at it, running is bad for your knees and fruit is bad for your health.

Of course these blanket statements of absolutes are intentionally absurd -- neither true nor untrue.

Deadlifts certainly can be bad for your back if good positioning and proper bracing are not prioritized or if an athlete attempts to lift well beyond her capacities; but deadlifts can also be very good for your back, as they will develop strong back muscles, functional hips, and safe, effective motor patterns. In the same way, running can be good for your knees with proper volume, form, and accessory work, or it can be catastrophically bad without. Fruit can be a healthy part of a balanced diet, or it can lead to health problems if it's the only food you eat.

Here’s the secret: there are no good or bad exercises, only good or bad application and execution.

The next time someone reminds you that deadlifts are bad for your back, feel free to remind them that, sure, bad deadlifts are bad for your back.

- PS

5/3/18

• 3 rounds for time:

• 100 DUs

• 40 wallballs (20/14)

• 15 shoulder-to-overhead (155/105)