Another option is a single-leg stiff-legged or Romanian deadlift or a single-leg Bulgarian split squat (but step further forward than the model here, so that your shin is about perpendicular to the floor), which is like a one-leg deadlift. Because you use one leg, you use less weight. This will help your grip catch up.

Thus:

1. Do a set or two of heavier DLs till grip fails.
2. Then go with either

a) lifting straps or
b) 1-leg work.

If you’re looking for more glute involvement, single-leg work is better anyway.

Just wondering what a good weight is for a beginner with a weak grip. I can’t hold the bar for the weights I know my butt/hams can manage – I feel it in my back, arms & shoulders. I did 40 reps of 75 lbs, and still didn’t feel much happening in my glutes. Top half was crying. I did try to use proper form, but of course, may have failed.

That said, I believe firmly nobody should be doing stiff-legged deadlifts, ever. There is just too much at stake.

It has been 10 years since the accident and although it has gotten better I am quite limited on what I can do (no more sports, no more home improvement projects). So be careful out there.

My question to anyone else who has experience this sort of injury: what has worked for you to get your life back? surgery? physical theraphy? inversion table? I have 4 bulging discs and 1 of those discs is partially herniated. I think I need to determine if it is muscle/tendon damage causing the pain or if its disc related therby requiring surgery. I look forward to your comments. Thanks!