So do you 100% disagree with the rounded back deadlift technique?
The specificity i am referring to is the fact that a static contraction of the muscles that straighten the back is removed from the ability to contract those in unison during a lift to generate leverage using the curve of the spine.
The 'point' of the flat back deadlift technique is to lock the cores position forcing the load onto the larger muscle groups, allowing a lifter to hit supra-maximal lifts with safety, much in the way a squatter on a smith machine can probably exceed his or her own capacity. You are using your core as a fixed base in the same way a machine allows for a fixed plane of motion. Yes it relies on incredible and developed core strength, but it also creates a specific weakness just like a machine.
Because i am not training for maximal strength, never truly working above 95% capacity in the way you powerlifters would, i do not feel i need that perfect flat back, especially as it would hinder my neural patterns for more functional lifting like stones.
But the important neutral ground for us both to agree on, is the understanding of WHAT core integrity does provide, because i do not in any way dismiss its importance. I feel i do understand why i lift in a specific way and i do not struggle to strongly engage my core as a preventative measure when lifting certain loads in certain ways. I use core stability as a tool, not a rule. I need functionally to be able to safely lift without perfect form, i can no more risk inexperience in imperfect lifting positions than a trainer can risk avoiding free weight and training soley on machines.
