Squats and Deadlifts
 

1) Why do I hate squat days but love DL days, the difference in weight is negligible (somewhat) so I don't think its a lifting heavier thing.

2) What is the difference between a DL and a rack pull? Why do one and not the other? It seems like the rack pull is just a poor mans version of the DL.

Re: Squats and Deadlifts
 

Squats are more taxing on your hips, I guess?

Re: Squats and Deadlifts
 

1) I'd guess you are acquiring more fatigue from the squat-- assuming that you aren't simply more confident in one movement than the other.

2) The RP provides assistance for the DL.

Re: Squats and Deadlifts
 

With squats, a heavy ass weight is trying to crush you and this can be a bit scary I guess. I'm pretty sure squats are also more taxing on your CNS, which generally just makes you feel miserable.

Re: Squats and Deadlifts
 

Good squats require a lot more flexibility. I dunno I'd way rather squat heavy, I love DL's but a good squat day makes me feel like a killer.

RP's are just a partial DL. For many people the end of the DL is the hardest part so you work the RP to bomb that portion. Also it's safer for people who don't have the hammie flexibility to keep good shape at the bottom of the DL.

Re: Squats and Deadlifts
 

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For many people the end of the DL is the hardest part so you work the RP to bomb that portion.

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I think the principle at work is more like when overloading the eccentric part of an exercise, even thought the eccentric is stronger.

Re: Squats and Deadlifts
 

doing heavy rack pulls will also allow you to lift a much larger load, overload your upper back and trips, train your grip etc...it takes a bit of the focus off the hams/hips/lower back and places it on the glutes/upperback/trap muscles...

Re: Squats and Deadlifts
 

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What is the difference between a DL and a rack pull?

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The idea is to eliminate the first stage of the DL which works the hamstrings the hardest, and focus on the second stage which works the muscles of the lower back the hardest.

Re: Squats and Deadlifts
 

So, Should I alternate between DL adn RP?

Re: Squats and Deadlifts
 

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So, Should I alternate between DL adn RP?

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There is no reason to alternate. You may want to throw in RPs instead of DLs every so often to keep things mixed up a bit.