Barbell Lumbar Training, Rounding The Lower Back

[Steve Freides]

Zercher DL's are soooooooo much more comfortable with a thick bar. A 2" axle is nice, Bigger is better. I have a 2 3/8" bar when I'm in the US, it is fantastic for these and makes GM's much more tolerable too.

I am a bit of a wimp. I can't

take pain in the arms with the bar in the elbows.

As long as I'm squeezing tightly, my elbows don't bother me enough to be cause for concern in this lift. @Hardartery, I actually prefer the thinner bar only because I can squeeze it tighter.

I have to get back to doing these again. Might try them after BP on BP day to help stretch out my back.

-S-

 

[Antti]

I've done my share of zerchers, though not straight to the elbows from the floor, and I'm not sure if the bar thickness makes such a big difference. I've used an Olympic bar, a powerlifting bar, and an axle. If anything I'd say the knurling can be a bad thing but I've never let that stop me either.

If we're talking about pain or discomfort I think hook grip is way, way worse.