Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Should men over 50 deadlift? Should men over 50 avoid the hex bar deadlift?
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Need help with deadlift form? DM a video for a form critique. (Instagram bendthebarman)
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Watching social media takes, it becomes very difficult to figure out what is truth and what is fiction.
The reality is that men over 50 are not fragile little China dolls, but we do need to use common sense.
Regardless of your age, learning the deadlift can be very frustrating. As a coach, I can tell you it is a far more technical lift to learn and teach than most people suspect from watching online content. It takes time to master proper deadlift form, and it is a very nuanced lift.
Not only that, but when you first start deadlifting, the lower back is usually the weak link in the chain. We need to go slow and steady, work on form, and allow the lower back to get up to speed.
This does not mean we need to avoid deadlifting, but we should not rush up the ladder with weight until we are certain our form and lower back are ready.
In the meantime, it’s a good idea to use the high-handle hex bar deadlift either every week or every other week. This is a more leverage-friendly deadlift variation because the weight is centered around the body, making it less stressful on the lower back.
It’s a great way to build upper back and trap strength while slowly building lower back strength without completely punishing your body.
#massiveiron
Should men over 50 deadlift? Should men over 50 avoid the hex bar deadlift?
==============
Need help with deadlift form? DM a video for a form critique. (Instagram bendthebarman)
==============
Watching social media takes, it becomes very difficult to figure out what is truth and what is fiction.
The reality is that men over 50 are not fragile little China dolls, but we do need to use common sense.
Regardless of your age, learning the deadlift can be very frustrating. As a coach, I can tell you it is a far more technical lift to learn and teach than most people suspect from watching online content. It takes time to master proper deadlift form, and it is a very nuanced lift.
Not only that, but when you first start deadlifting, the lower back is usually the weak link in the chain. We need to go slow and steady, work on form, and allow the lower back to get up to speed.
This does not mean we need to avoid deadlifting, but we should not rush up the ladder with weight until we are certain our form and lower back are ready.
In the meantime, it’s a good idea to use the high-handle hex bar deadlift either every week or every other week. This is a more leverage-friendly deadlift variation because the weight is centered around the body, making it less stressful on the lower back.
It’s a great way to build upper back and trap strength while slowly building lower back strength without completely punishing your body.
#massiveiron
