I've been running the Stronglifts 5x5 > 3x5 program for quite some time now and I've gotten a lot stronger across all lifts, aside one.
I've been trying for about 8 months to get the conventional deadlift form right - I've read every article under the sun, watched Medhi deadlift 450lbs about a thousand times, deloaded, got people to record my form - but no matter what, I always end up arching my back when I pull. My max has been 145kg for five reps, yet the form was no good and I got some pain in my lower back, so I dropped the weight right off again. I can squat 155kg high bar so my deadlifts should be a lot higher than 145kg. Even when pulling lighter weight, the exercise has never felt 'right' no matter how hard I try to get the technique right.
I recently read that tall guys genrally struggle with deadlifts more than people who have shorter legs. I'm a 6.1" guy with long legs, and I really do feel that my body just isn't proportioned correctly to do conventional deadlifts right, hence why I've been struggling for so long.
I tired doing sumo deadlifts at the gym today @ 130kg, and they just felt plain wrong too. I probably need to wind the weight right back and work on the technique more, but I just want to get you guys opinion on this before going down this path.
Should I or shouldn't I make the switch to sumo?
2 important things you havent mentioned are how long are ur arms? What's your flexibility like? Especially in your hamstrings.
Ppl with longer arms are almost certainly better deadlifters than bench pressers due to the range of motion.
Also if u have poor flexibility, can't touch ur toes etc, then Ull be using ur back for the majority of the lift which is a lot waeker than your legs. Spend some time activating ur Hammies, lower back, calves before u start. Ull notice Ull be using ur legs more in the lift, especially off the ground which will take the load off ur back.