Do the benefits of deadlifts and squats outweigh the risk of injury? | Peter Attia and Stuart McGill
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February 24, 2026
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My grandmother 105 years old still deadlifting 250,kg.
A good squat with crazy depth and 1 plate is more than enough for me '75kg to increase flexibility
I think the trick (as you get older) is to take ego out of the equation. Don't try to deadlift like you're 20, 30 or even 40. Just please…take a long time to warm up before doing these. I see young people coming in to the gym all the time and they walk straight to the "rack" and start squats and dead lifts so they are not tired for their max weight attempts…I used to do it to. Now I try to do stretching on TRX. I do back extensions to activate the lower back and glutes, and then try and do some bodyweight, dumbbell or kettlebell work first like air squats, goblet squats, lunges or RDLs etc. Then with no ego…I go light(er) and more safely with strict form… for more reps. And I "listen" to my body. If I need a rest day from weights…I'll take it…and go for a long walk or a bike ride for some extra steady state cardio.
Everyone that is able to should squat and deadlift. The benchmark for most people should be body weight for a squat and 1.5lbs body weight for a deadlift.
Good form and technique.
Don't ego lift.
Stretch and mobilize.
A deadlift isn't a back exercise it's a whole body movement that activates the CNS.
This shit is AI creepy looking guy wtf
I m doing dead lifts right now with 225lbs and pretty much fist time after long time I m 57 and feel fucking amazing 😻 I disagree with others you on dead lifts it’s gonna help me not hi t me as long as I don’t over do it and over weight and once a week I be just fine don’t worry 😂😂
Sorry but I dont get it. What was the point? Should we focus on other natural movements more? Such as climbing, trekking, jumping.
VO2 MAX and Grip Strength. Wow. I knew that they are important, but I didn't know they are this important! 👍
I have the same confliction. I've avoided deadlifts my whole life due to the risk, but I just got back on the because why not after an ICU stay a couple months ago and it made me realize I'm gonna die anyway eventually. And damn. There's something about deadlifts that gives me a profound sense of endorphin rush, more than any other exercise. However, the CNS impact is HUGE to me. I get literal panic attacks a day after these heavy lifts and fall straight to lagging indicators of fatigue. My sleep is disrupted, anxiety explodes through the roof, etc.
But I think my physiology may just be unique. I'm exceptionally strong for my size, a small frame and only around 165 pounds. At 155 pounds, I got to benching 300 pounds. So basically like top 5% for my weight.
At this point, I discovered that my muscles can basically overclock my CNS system. Literally overclock. I'm too strong for my frame, and it requires me multiple days to recover. Ive never heard anyone talk about mental and emotional side effects from lifting heavy. Most people have the issue of not working hard enough, I think I have the issue of working TOO hard. I push my limits every single time. I guess at 35 I'm too old to do that now.
Anyways, just saying I'm also conflicted on deadlifts, even though it is an enjoyable exercise. I figure a good middle ground is just using the trap bar to deadlift. It puts you in a safer position, you don't have to worry about a bicep tear or lower back injury as much, and you still get to feel like you're kind of deadlifting.
Is deadlifting ok for heart health in older lifters please
YES
What about deadlifts with heavy kettlebells and a neutral grip
Every newbie and aspiring power lifter at the gym must dedicate themselves to attaining The Big Three: Back Injury – Knee Injury – Shoulder Injury.
For the rest of us we don't concern ourselves with ego lifting.
A Wiseman once said "hey y'all, look at this Gyatt, then I'll explain the McGill big 3"
IYKYK
I was born with an incomplete vertebra in the lower back (L5) which results in spondylolysis. This 'defec' was discovered by chance on an X-ray after an accident I had at the age of 44. This unknown condition would have put me at high risk for a back injury when doing heavy lifting. Before engaging in deadlifts and weighted squads be sure to have your back checked for unknown conditions; which are not rare.
2 minutes and 40 seconds to ask a question. “Are deadlifts worth the risk?”
“There are no solutions , only tradeoffs”. I find this hard to believe knowing a lot of old lifters. I believe most injuries come from people lifting heavy with poor technique, or overtraining for the bulk of their lives. In most cases both. You can destroy your body doing anything poorly. Sled pulls, running, walking… sitting…
Yeah, I’m still going to deadlift every week for as long as I can. It’s a basic human movement. I think it’s fine to let go of PR’s after 35, but all-together? Absolutely not.
This is unsubscribe level of stupidity.
It seems that famous programs/methods always need to satisfy people's love on black and white solutions; "if not A, must do B". This is somehow similar to people who advocate vegan/carnivore or carbs/keto diet in the way that we cannot choose something in between and still be healthy. Great video to keep us all thinking tho!!! Thank you
What about kettlebell swings as a replacement for deadlifts?
Proper romanian deadlifts and hack squats are the best options imo.
My goal is to be able to deadlift 405 for reps into my 80s
"Peter pencilneck over here" – Dr. Density
I am 63, never been athletic growing up but got active and into triathlons in early 40s. My VO2MAX is 45, which is excellent for ky age, but I want to improve it further to about 50+. Semi retired in triathlons, no more no biking for 9 years now, but doing other workouts/trainings/HIITS, swim run, dragon boat paddling. Just started crossfit this January2025 and done 24 straight days of WODs(except Subdays). Never felt better. Just nailed my DEADLIFT PB today at 185lbs, 120%myBodyWeight.