Sumo Deadlift Vs. Traditional Deadlift

[Rahif Murray]

Hi all, I'm fairly new to crossfit and I'm also quite tall with very long legs and I'm unsure whether it's ok to substitute the sumo deadlift for the traditional deadlift on the wods that call for deadlift such as Linda. The reason I would like to substitute the Sumo is because I can lift substantially more weight that way and with little or no back pain afterwards. Thanks and I appreciate any advice you guys can give me.

[Michael Donohue]

I wouldn 't see that as a problem. Some peoples anatamy will not a low them to get into a correct standard DL postion. If it is physically impossible for you to get into the standard position then the sumo would probably be better. I would try and get a video or two onto the forum. One of you doing each would be best and ask the same question in that section. It's hard to say, "do Sumo" with out actually seeing you do it. Since you are fairly new you might just be in a bad position to start with and you are actually capable of the standard DL.

[Andrew H. Meador]

Check out the Dave Tate deadlifting video series on the CF Journal website.

[Rahif Murray]

I'm 6'5'' and have very long limbs and I think video taping my form on both forms of DL and posting is a great idea because I really don't want to sell myself short by only doing one form of DL but I do want to use whichever method will illicit the most strength functional strength for me. Thanks for the advice.