I get this question enough that I figured I would explore it some here.
Deadlifting, like squats and other movements, may be performed multiple times per week (or once per week, and yes, even less frequent than that) if warranted and programmed according. Such factors influencing that decision may be the relative intensity at which deadlifts and other exercise are trained (% of RM), the training volume (sets x repetitions), and the overall training stressors and goals of the program.
Depending on the athlete and their individual goals and abilities, deadlifts may be part of a leg/lower day routine, back day, programmed all by themselves, or seldom done.
Below are some things to consider when determining if doing deadlifts post leg-day (or any day for that matter) is a smart move.
Powerlifters
Hopefully by now you are not doing daily strength WODs that have randomized daily training routines (as this goes for weightlifters and competitive fitness athletes as well). The sport of powerlifting requires coaches and athletes to follow legitimate strength programming, one that methodically progresses a lifter throughout multiple phases (weeks and months) of training. Because the deadlift is a competition lift in powerlifting, many lifters devote an entire day or more per week (depending on their individual needs and abilities) to pulling. The more advanced the lifter, the greater stress and demand is placed upon the body, making deadlifts an extremely taxing endeavor.
Generally speaking, for strength, technical considerations, and overall performance in the deadlift, powerlifters should strive to separate a few days between squat sessions and deadlift days, since they both require a great maximal central nervous system and muscular abilities.
Weightlifters
Deadlifting in weightlifting comes in the forms of snatch and clean pull/deadlifts, with the purpose being to assist in the overall pulling strength of a lifter specific to the snatch and clean and jerk. In weightlifting programming, many athletes snatch, clean, jerk, squat, and pull (deadlift) all in the same session, and do that multiple times per week. The main difference between weightlifting pulls and other deadlifts (powerlifting, functional fitness, strongman) is that they are usually done at lower intensities (% of RM) and volume (sets and repetitions) since they are often based off of a lifters’ snatch, clean, squat, and/or snatch/clean deadlift.
Therefore, generally speaking, weightlifters can perform various days of pulling (in the form of snatch/clean pulls/deadlifts and RDLs) since the overall intensity (both the % of RM and training volume) are typically lower than that of powerlifters.
Function Fitness and Athletes
For everyone else out there, generally speaking, deadlifts may or may not be advised following leg day. As discussed above, a coach and lifter must understand the physiological stress that is placed upon a human body varies depending upon the relative intensity trained (% of RM), the total volume (sets and repetitions), and any pre-existing fatigue and external stressors that may warrant not doing deadlifts following an aggressive leg day.
Final Thoughts
Without a proper understanding of the stress deadlifting can place upon a lifter (both good and bad stressors), and how successive training bouts can affect a lifter’s performance (strength, technique, and bar acceleration), coaches and athletes may set themselves up for injury and stalled progress. It is important to note that the best athletes and deadlifters progressed their development through a systematic strength, power, and/or training program.
Editors note: This article is an op-ed. The views expressed herein are the authors and don’t necessarily reflect the views of BarBend. Claims, assertions, opinions, and quotes have been sourced exclusively by the author.
Featured Image: @rkp3033 on Instagram
