Should you squat before deadlifting?

When it comes to squatting before deadlifting, the general consensus from the Mind Pump Podcast is that squatting before deadlifting can be beneficial and safer. Here's a summary of their insights:

1. Squats Have Carryover to Deadlifts: Sal Di Stefano notes that heavy squats tend to improve deadlift performance. Ideally, squats should be done earlier in the week, followed by deadlifts later, to avoid fatigue and potential injury 1.

2. Risk Management: Squatting before deadlifting reduces the risk of injury because squatting heavily before a deadlift ensures that the lower back isn't pre-fatigued, which is crucial for maintaining a safe and effective deadlift form. Doing the reverse—deadlifting before squatting—might compromise the stability needed for a heavy squat due to lower back fatigue 2.

3. Separate Days for Heavy Lifting: While it's possible to include both squats and deadlifts in the same workout, it's not ideal. Sal recommends not doing heavy deadlifts and heavy squats in the same session to avoid overloading the lumbar spine and hips 2.

In summary, squatting before deadlifting is recommended for better overall performance and reduced injury risk. However, if incorporating both into one workout, prioritize lighter weights and focus on form. 1 2.