How Many Times Can I Deadlift My Body Weight? …

I just finished a training program (“training block”) on Thursday and will be starting a new one on Monday.  So, for whatever reason I became curious as to how many times I could deadlift my body weight.  I thought with this little break between programs, that today would be the day to try. I’ve never really done high rep deads (never above 15), so I honestly had no idea what I could get.  I was thinking that I could get 35 maybe 40, and possibly even a touch over 40.

I decided to make a post about my upcoming test on facebook to see what others thought I would get.  The range I received from my FB friends was anywhere between 35 and 54.  Actually my friend Matt Brewer predicted 642 reps. But #1) he’s not very bright, and #2) he’s high on life right now because his Steelers are playing in the Superbowl. Therefore, he really doesn’t know what he’s saying on any topic in life right now.  My buddy Jamie Connelly even came up with a formula that looked like this…

“‎35 is my number.  I had to think about it in terms of elasticity, fatique, etc. Everyone is different, but you are in excellent shape. I factored with each lift, it is increasing those factors above by 5% on avg. So 5% of 165lbs = 8.25lbs…8.25lbs * X(#of lifts) = Xlbs + 165 starting weight means the last lift should feel like 471lbs. Lets see how close I am with my BS math ”
As you see, he did say “my BS math” (with a smiley face). So I think he was just messing around with this formula, but who knows, maybe he was onto something.?.  Now, lets get to the test…

I finished training the high school team in the weight room earlier today, and luckily I had a few of the guys hang around afterwards.  One person to tape, the other to cheer me on.  And the results…

So there it is, 56 reps with 165 pounds.  Not easy!  Actually it was exhausting.  56 was definitely more than I thought I would get.  But, as I started to get closer to the highest prediction from FB (54 reps), I thought to myself; I have to beat that – c’mon, I can get 55!  Then, as you heard in the background, Coach Dwayne Norfleet yelled out, “55!” So of course, I had to beat that!  So 56 it is.

Surprises

I figured either my, not-so-strong grip, or low back endurance (or lack of) would be the limiting factor.  But, I’m happy to say that neither really came into play, as far as holding me back.  My grip did slip just a touch, but I was able to quickly re-grip and continue on.  And I didn’t feel my low back at all.  There was a HYOOGE burn in my hams and glutes though!  Which was perfect, as a properly performed DL will hammer the hammies and booty.

A couple reminders, plus something that I learned today…

Reminder # 1: Setting the bar high is very important. If the number of the top prediction from my friends was 38, who knows, maybe I only get 39 reps.?.  But when 55 became the number to beat, there was no way that I was not going to beat it!
Reminder #2: High reps on compounds movements (you know, chin-ups, squats, push-up, deadlifts, etc), are brutal! Whoever said that weight training doesn’t give you a cardio-like effect, was smoking something.  Try to do any compound lifts (especially involving the legs) for 20 + reps and tell me your heart doesn’t feel like it is about to bust right through your chest (as long you choose the appropriate weight)!
What I learned: My new deodorant is NOT working very well.  Actually, it’s not working at all!  I apologize to anyone that walked in my path after this test. It’s already time for a new purchase!

To my friends who made the predictions, and to my friends that pushed me – muchos gracias! (I think I spelled that right?  But I don’t speak or spell Spanish muy good)

And Nick Erbe, you didn’t know there was a prize, but you win for closest prediction!  Congratulations, you win um, um, a drink on me!  How ’bout that?  And Brewer, I’m just kidding, you are very intelligent young man.  Go Steelers

Peace…