Deadlift alternatives?

[ShortShift811]

Right, I've just got back into free weights work after about 6 months of not taking it seriously (did it regularly for a couple of years before that).

I've also joined a gym that is 2 mins drive from my new house. Trouble is, they have a Smith machine, another machine rack similar to the Smith Machine that operates across two planes (I'm not sure of the name), and just one Olympic bar and bench setup for bench pressing. The dumbell range is pretty good with 6 free benches. But, if someone is using the bench / bar setup for their chest, I can't do deadlifts. Tried them in the two-plane machine this morning and they just don't work (although I feel squats are OK in that machine, if not ideal).

Are there any other exercises I can use in lieu of deadlifts if the one Olympic bar isn't available?

[cliffe_mafia]

Use dumbbells instead?

[22s]

cliffe_mafia said:

Use dumbbells instead?

I think this about your only solution. The deadlift is a very complex movement and there is nothing you can replicate it with it. Try finding some sort of platform you can lift the DBs off of so you're not too low to the ground.

[MajorProblem]

Rack pulls?

st sorry didn't read the full post.

[didelydoo]

Good mornings in the 2-plane machine would be the best bet- closest thing you'll get to a deadlift.

[stew-S160]

Romanian Deadlift
Hipthrust
Kettlebell/DB swings
Reverse hypers

[_bryan_]

Mate of mine was in the same situation, the gym he went to only had one bar. Solution was to buy a cheap olympic bar off eBay and he takes it with him to the gym...

[D1ngd0ng]

Suitcase deadlift?

[mattikake]

Join another gym?

2 mins drive?! Feck me!

[smiffy180]

mattikake said:

Join another gym?

2 mins drive?! Feck me!

I kinda maybe take the car about 0.4 mile around the corner to my gym

[ShortShift811]

mattikake said:

Join another gym?

2 mins drive?! Feck me!

Interesting that the qualified PT is the only one to come up with an irrelevant answer, but thanks for your concern.

Cheers to the other posters. I've found dumbbell DL's effective in the past, if a bit harder to maintain form. I'll give some of the other variations a google and try them out too.