500 lb Deadlift - Straps - No Belt, Wraps, Suit, Equip, etc (at 205 lbs)

[riazomonero]

how did you get that home gym set up?

[hardcore9427]

That's freakin' sic bro, great job. The deadlift is definitely underestimated and not talked about near enough... unlike benchpress, unfortunately. Definitely the most impressive movement as far as I am concerned. Don't quit dude, the payoff is undeniable.

[MegaGlennbeck]

do it without the straps and its somewhat impressive..

[BRETZERR]

@MegaGlennbeck

I've done 500 lbs without straps (vid's posted somewhere on my channel). It's not that much to hold on to...

Best deadlift to date is 615 lbs, once I actually started training this lift. That vid is also on my channel somewhere...

Thanks for the comment.

[TheTlong85]

umm good lift but arent those wraps around your wrists??

[BRETZERR]

@TheTlong85

Umm...those are called straps...you might want to re-read the title and think about your question again...

[cleaner1965dave]

Very impressive

[BRETZERR]

@cleaner1965dave

Thanks bro - I appreciate that.

[big1975leo]

girls at montreal babell do 450 for reps without straps!

[BRETZERR]

@big1975leo

Really??? You're still going on this....geez brother...you need to get a life and move on...grow up Leo.

[big1975leo]

@BRETZERR randy btw i was serieous about the girls pulling a lot i do not joke about check out cheryl mckenzie on you tube shes one one my training partner at montreal barbell ! shes an ansome lifters who owns record in the cpa! take care bretzer and keep training hard !

[BRETZERR]

@big1975leo

I hear ya Leo...but I assume you are talking about a suited lift, which isn't really even comparable. It's not hard to grip 500 lbs. I would assume most guys can do that.

She's definitely strong for a sheila though...awesome to see.

Stay beastly bro!

[big1975leo]

@BRETZERR shes strong and very inspiring to lift with here you shoould come down one day we are building one heck of a team !

[BRETZERR]

@big1975leo

Sounds like you are putting together a great team...too bad you are on the other end of the country (I am in Edmonton, AB). Just curious, what's Cheryl's best raw pull? I would imagine somewhere around 330 lbs to 350 lbs???

[big1975leo]

@BRETZERR randy i saw here doing 405 for 2 reps ! the suit add like 40 to 45 pounds not more !obviously i havent tried it but that waht they told me ! the 2 ply shirt when its use properly it add 300 pounds for example mike gay can bench 525 with a 2 ply suit he did 810 at the bench wars in june !

[BRETZERR]

@big1975leo

Cool. Yeah, I never tried suited lifting, so I wouldn't really know. But 4 plates for a girl is awesome. It's funny how girls standards are so much lower than guys. This video here was of me deadlifting 500 lbs and it was one of the first times I have ever really deadlifted. I hit 615 lbs after about a year of training...

Either way, it sounds like your team is getting stronger every day. So, keep at it my friend. Stay strong. Don't let Cheryl pass you! ;-)

[Seannyskillz]

@big1975leo Vid or it didnt happen.

[nhianho]

Nice pull. Btw, what is your height?

[BRETZERR]

@nhianho

Thanks bro - I am 5'10".

[nhianho]

@BRETZERR It's really more impressive that you was using pronated grips. One more question: bodyweight and years of training ?

[BRETZERR]

@nhianho

I appreciate that. I was 205 lbs when I did this video (see the title) and this was the first time I had done deadlifts in about 10 years....someone bet me I couldn't deadlift 500 lbs. I am now hoping to hit 600 lbs in about 4 weeks from now (at 225 lbs).

I have been training since I was 10 though....I am now 32 (mostly upper body though).

[kerley1992]

why is it called 'Roman Deadlift'?

[antonioWiseGuys]

NICE

im 153 and i can do 400lbs

im only moving up tho

[BRETZERR]

@antonioWiseGuys

Thanks bro - much appreciated. Great start to your deadlifting career...keep it going. I hit 540 lbs for two sets of doubles last week. I plan to hit 600 lbs in 6 weeks....

[BRETZERR]

@moss4life100

Thanks for the tips bro....I have tried those out and will be doing more of all of that going forward. This lift was just to win a bet. I hadn't been training deadlifts at all. My new goal is 600 lbs by the end of 2010.

[xjusticex2013x]

Great lift man. I'm hoping to get in 365 by the end of my freshman year, and then I'm shooting for 405 after that. Given my current progress, 365 shouldn't take too long. I really want to hit a 2x BW deadlift (170 lbs).

By the way, I don't think that it's called a Roman Deadlift. You might be referring to a Romanian Deadlift, but this looks like a straight up conventional deadlift. Oh well, best of luck.

[BRETZERR]

Thanks for the comments bro - good luck with your deadlifting!

[thesix107]

You ass, holding it up there for so much time, like it was easy. haha. I hope one day I get 5 plates. That's my ultimate goal.

For a reference point, what do you squat and curl?? Do you do any grip work too??

Thx.

[BRETZERR]

Ha, ha, ha.....I think I was just scared to put it down! Ha, ha....

I don't squat that much....I hardly ever squat though - low 400's for a full squat (ATG). I have done 445 lbs to a 14" box and I have done 570 lbs on a Zercher Squat off the rack. As for curls, who knows...I usually train biceps more like a bodybuilder....slow controlled reps with lighter weight.  I have an arms workout on here some where...

Good luck with your training bro - you'll hit 5 plates if you stick with it.

[BRETZERR]

Oh, and sorry, no, I don't do any grip work at this time. Maybe I will start sometime in the future...

[Thunder2128]

nice dude...keep the vids comin...

its a big feat to dl 500...im gettin closer...

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro - I hit 550 lbs a few months back...hopefully 585 lbs is coming soon...

[stracinsrt4]

GJDM! I recommend losing the straps and getting chalk though. I used to use straps but didn't want to be dependent on them so I dropped the weight to where I could handle with just grips and worked my way back up from there. I hit 550x1 no straps almost 2 months ago.

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro - I appreciate the comment and I hear what you are saying. But trust me, my grip isn't an issue. I just prefer deadlifting romanian style due to the evenness of the lift and less stress on the biceps. I am not a powerlifter at this stage...so, I don't really need to train with a mixed grip.

Congrat's on the 550 lb deadlift - that's a big lift. I just did that the other day (the vid's up).

[22bobbysanders]

Yo clearly strong as fuck. But raw does mean no straps bro.

[BRETZERR]

Yeah, everyone has a different definition I guess. I am not a powerlifter, so I am not too worried about it. To me, raw is without a suit (i.e. equiped), but whatever, it doesn't really matter.

Thanks for the comment.

[Ithinkalone]

awesome lift pal...lotsa power for sure....i never maxed my dl..well i never tried....but i dont think its 500.....i did a squat on a powertec squat machine 500 for three reps..my goal is 25 reps....we'll see....

anyway..keep it up....

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...I appreciate that. Nice vid's yourself...keep it up!

[orangecounty60]

dude im doing something wrong, because when i did that ..not with 500 lbs, i killed my back.

[BRETZERR]

Yeah, you must be doing something wrong bro...get your form down first, then build up your core strength before you go too heavy on the deadlift.

Good luck bro and train hard!

[LordMonkcheese]

Without trying to sounds like a dick, an RDL is essentially a bent-knee SLDL.

A normal Deadlift picking the weight off the floor and returning it to it's start position - i.e. what you do in the vid.

Hand position is irrelevant to the type of DL (apart from perhaps Sumo).

Hand position will either be overhand, underhand or alternate grip.

Other than that, 500lbs is a great lift, made even considering the lack of DL training prior to doing it.

[BRETZERR]

I somewhat agree with your comment bro, but not completely. I would say it's the other way around...a SLDL is just a RDL with staight legs.

Also, there is a noticeable difference when you do a RDL or a regular deadlift (mixed grip) because your shoulder/biceps are strained different on one side as compared to the other side. You really notice the difference as you increase the weight being used (i.e. anything over 400 lbs).

I like the evenness to the RDL....less stress on the bicep.

[mcircharobkad]

try that shit really raw, bet you dont get even 450 without those wraps. grip strength man, fuck with kettle bells and shit.

[BRETZERR]

Try posting a video that is better and then we'll talk. I respect all lifters that are out to better themselves...I don't respect guys like you with no vid's and negative comments.

Trust me...grip isn't an issue in my case. I have worked with all sorts of accessories (kettle bells, etc) and I am a big believer in Westside's methods...dumbass...

[rctriplefresh5]

while i agree with you on the fact that grip strength is important(im a huge grip fanantic check my vids) bretzzer is a cool guy and very strong and you dont have any better videos so..

[mcircharobkad]

Yo raw means no wrist wraps jackass. try being 195 and dead lifting 500 for more than one. No offense buddy not impressed.

[BRETZERR]

No offense buddy...but you're an idiot.

Raw generally refers to a non-equipped lift (i.e. no suit). Straps aren't usually included in the equation.

In this lift I have no suit, belt, or wraps. That is pretty much raw. The straps are just a preference because I don't compete as a powerlifting, so there is no need to risk injury by lifting with a mixed grip (i.e. bicep strain due to the imbalance, etc).

It's a good thing I didn't do this video to impress you then huh? Bitch...

[scubasteve121212]

I've been watching your vids for about 6 months now and don't listen to all this youtube bullshit man. Your one hell of a strong guy at only 205, keep up the great lifts man!

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...I am trying!!! Hopefully I can get some better deadlift vid's up soon.

Thanks again for the great comment.

[beatrice1180]

Dam you are one strong guy

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...I am trying.

[webbyman]

Strong deadlifting! You should do it more often! I was proud of hitting 180kg (400lb) last month! ..If out of nowhere you can pull 500! I think you should aim to hit 600lb! Whats your grip strength like?

[BRETZERR]

Thanks man...

Yeah, I am going to try and deadlift a little more over the spring/summer and my goal will be to hit 600 lbs. We'll see what happens with that...

My grip strength is fine. I prefer roman deadlifts because it's an even lift all around. A normal deadlift has your hands in different positions and there's a bit of an inbalance. Besides, the goal is to work my back, not my grip.

400 lbs is still a great deadlift bro...congrat's on that.

[zabinjay]

Awesome work!

I hope to get to 500lbs one day too. =]

Currently 410lbs lol

Keep it up!

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...keep training hard and you'll get there sooner than you think!

[BRETZERR]

Of course you did bro...put the vid up.

[i0iicetea538]

I thought roman deadlift was having your legs straight.

[BRETZERR]

Na man...that would be a stiff-legged deadlift. That is more for your hamstrings and is not really meant to be a compound movement. More of a finisher than a core exercise.

Thanks for watching and commenting.

[Fougeddaboudit16]

whats the difference between a deadlift and a roman? does he have julias cesars cock in his ass.

[BRETZERR]

LOL...the difference, if you really want to know, is just the grip. Very funny comment though bro...

Thanks for watching.

[A550RGY]

Not only is your bench huge, but so is your deadlift, wow!! 2 stars!

Just kidding!! 5 stars!!

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...

I haven't done deadlifts for years; I just did this vid because someone bet me I couldn't deadlift 500 lbs and I enjoy a challenge.

Needless to say, he lost the bet. Once I hit my bench goal, I am going to hit these more to see if I can get to 600 lbs.

Time will tell...

Thanks for watching/commenting!!!

[A550RGY]

Easy money, for you! Keep it up!

[BRETZERR]

Thanks man. It was relatively easy...but man was I sore after this. It took me a week and a half to recover!

[metallicafan53]

Very strong pull, and strong bench from the other vids!!!

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...I appreciate the comment.

[dario2004]

very strong man, thats like 2.5 times your body weight, amazing

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...I will have to get into these a bit more to see if I can get a triple bodyweight in (615 lbs). Once I hit 400 lbs on the bench, I will start focusing on this lift. What are you deadlifting?

[dario2004]

you will do 615 it be amazing, my best deadlift is 600

[BRETZERR]

Hey, I like a challenge my friend. Like I said, once I hit 400 lbs on the bench, I will spend some time focusing on the deadlift to see if I can get to 615 lbs. Stay tuned...

[BRETZERR]

Thanks again! I just did this to win a bet. Someone bet me I couldn't deadlift 500 lbs; they lost the bet.

[kris1858]

I hear ya... grip being the weakest link in any deadlift.

[kris1858]

Good lift, but is that "RAW" with the wrist wraps?

[BRETZERR]

I believe raw just means with no shirts, etc to help your power. Straps don't matter. I would be pretty tough to lift any amount of weight "roman" style because the bar starts to roll. I was testing my back strength here...not my grip.

Thanks for the comment though...

[AFSTRONGMAN]

Nice Lift! Interesting how some people are never pleased. Straps keep big lifters(Strongmen) from biceps ruptures. Keep up the good work and ignore the posters/haters. RUSSA

[BRETZERR]

Thanks for the comment RUSSA. I appreciate it!

[hosslogan]

That is insane for not doing them. You could probably get 600 with training and a few months!

[BRETZERR]

Maybe...I will test that out after I reach my 400 lb bench press goal. Stay tuned...

[wolverine22blue]

Great lift...awesome form.. you don't look old at all by the way. All the best weight lifters are in their later 30's and you're probably mid 20's or later 20's. That's a sweet gym by the way...all free weights... free weights is the way to go!

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...I am 31 actually. So, my time is running out if I hope to hit my max strength level by my late 30's!!! LOL

Thanks for the comment...

[powabuilda]

That aint his gym, that's his garage..lol

[Zubinen]

bad idea at that age but awesome lift!

[BRETZERR]

I assume you mean I am getting old?!? Thanks bro...

[Nik2555]

have i got a problem or do deadlifts really tear apart your back, and also i geet a really bad cramp in the same place on my leg everytime i do them even though i stretch off fully :S

[BRETZERR]

No idea bro...I am not a doctor and I have never had any problems with deadlifts. Thanks for the comment though...

[Nik2555]

good lift btw :)

[DMProductionss]

wats a deadlift

[jweber007]

Awesome pull with great form!

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...I appreciate it! My back is wishing I didn't do that, but it was fun and worth it to get it up here. RB

[basketballvertical]

Are you aware that doing deadlifts and squats will help your bench increase faster then any other method?

Why would you put off doing these excersises till you hit 400 on bench?

[BRETZERR]

Thanks for the comment bro...

Normally, you are right. Doing core extercises like squats/deadlifts help your overall core strength and thus increase all your other body part's strength. But over the years I have noticed that my bench is the only thing that struggles when I am training hard on squats/deads. Everthing else is okay.

So for me, I actually gain more on the bench when I don't squat/dead. As you will learn...you do whatever works for your particular body...

[basketballvertical]

Perhaps you were not getting enough rest?

I dunno you obviously know your body better better then anyone else so just do what works

[BRETZERR]

I still play basketball and volleyball once a week, so the rest factor is probably it. I have to train within my recovery potential, which means I can't be doing to many reps/exercises...

Thanks for the comment...

[BRETZERR]

On another note...

I see you are working on your vertical...when I was in high school I had a 45" vertical leap. I used to be able to tough the top of the box on a really good day (I am 5'10"). I used to be able to do pretty much any dunk out there (windmill, pump-reverse, 360, etc).

Even today, I can still get a wind-mill dunk in on a good day.

Besides plymetrics, I found that deadlifting with my feet jumping-width apart and pushing through my toes increased my vert the most.

[berealtoit]

Awesome pulling bro!

[BRETZERR]

Thanks - I appreciate the comment.

[grambo22]

Nice pull, crazy after not training DL for years, congrats. You should start squatting, it will push all your other lifts up. Definitely avoid going on your toes that is a dangerous position for your knee, you want to be pushing through the heels (like a DL).

[BRETZERR]

Thanks man...I will start squating and deadlifting after I hit my goal of a 400 lb bench. I find that if I focus on deadlifting/squating, my bench doesn't go anywhere. Weird, I know...

[BIGDADDYJOHNSON27]

that is really good for someone who hasnt done them in a few years.

you got me beat by a hundred pounds lol

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...yeah, I will get into these a little more after I hit my 400 lb bench press goal. So, you have a little while to try and catch me! Get after it...

[franco18grant]

nice, got me beat by 15 lbs :(

[BRETZERR]

Keep at it bro...it won't take you long to blow through 500 lbs. Then I will be chasing you! Thanks for the comment...

[PapiLiftRaw40]

great pull bro

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...it felt pretty good for not doing this lift for a few years. I'll get back into it after I hit 4 plates on the bench...I can only concentrate on one lift at a time...RB

[cford77]

Nice pull

[BRETZERR]

Thanks Cyrus.  I appreciate the comment.

[Cambria2007]

I've been doin deadlifts now for about 3 months and am 20 lbs shy of 500....but to see a video of you doing a 500 dead from not doing them in a few years really urks me! very strong keep up the good work. what do you squat? please post a video if possible.

[BRETZERR]

Thanks man. Well, if you have only been deadlifting for 3 months and you are close to 500 lbs already, it won't take you long to pass me.

You can gain a lot on a deadlift in a relatively short period of time. Keep at it...

As for squats, I have never been very good at squating. The most I have done on that is just over 400 lbs (nothing special). It's my form, I used to push off my toes to build my vertical for sports - much weaker that way.

I'll have to try that after I hit 400.

[BRETZERR]

Hey...if it makes you feel better...I am still really, really sore today! Probably was a dumb idea to go for 500 lbs after not doing it for sooo long...can you say SORE!

[secuervo]

Nice work man.

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...I appreciate the comment.

[HHH396]

Great job! and with no belt,even more impressive.I got close to 500 lbs years ago.I don't do them much anymore though because i'm getting old haha!

[BRETZERR]

Thanks bro...I just wanted to see if I could get 500 lbs up. After I am done with my benching goal I will look at trying to do more on this lift. (I haven't done deads for a couple of years)