I'm usually pretty skeptical about 'new lifts', but I came across one in a Westside Barbell article last week which fucking rules! :hammert: 'Shovel lift' Basically just a deadlift but with only one end of the bar loaded. Leaving you to stabilize the bar to keep it straight, which on the lowering part of the lift especially is MURDER. To test it out I did a set of 5 on each side with 65lb and my entire midrift is in severe pain today. Worth a shot! Beats the hell out of sit ups & if it's good enough for Louie Simmons...
No more than any other lift involving the lower back, I'd say mate. It just looks exactly like a deadlift, except your core muscles are having to stabilise the bar - there's no twisting or untoward movement & if there is, the poundages are too high. Try it with some light weights and you'll be able to feel if it would cause problems for you. I love it. God damn my abs and obliques are having a serious word with me today though, it's getting worse as the day goes on. I really wanted to start concentrating on my abs and lower back more so I've started doing a couple new lifts to that end after squats & deadlifts. I think my abs especially are very weak I've never really worked them directly.
