Training

Why Your Deadlift Is Stuck — And How to Break the Plateau

The deadlift plateau is one of the most frustrating experiences in strength training. You've been consistent, you've been eating enough, and yet the bar refuses to move past a certain number.

The Root Causes

Plateau problems almost always fall into one of three categories: weak posterior chain, poor bar path discipline, or a breakdown in bracing mechanics.

Posterior Chain Weakness

Romanian deadlifts, hip thrusts, and banded pull-throughs are the fixes — not more heavy conventional work.

Bar Path Discipline

The bar should stay in contact with your shins and drag up your legs. Record your lifts from the side. Fix the drift first.

Bracing Mechanics

Practice breathing into your belly, not your chest, before every maximal attempt.

The Prescription

Run a 4-week block at 70–75%, focusing entirely on bar path and bracing. Add one session of accessory posterior chain work. Come back to your max attempt in week 5.

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