[Tejas]

I LOVE deadlifts-they are an incredible rush. But now I do them only with a T-bar. You have said that you are on a budget, and the T-bar is pricey. If you really want to do them, then maybe put aside a bit of money and make the T-bar a present to yourself (?).

I weigh 179 pounds, am 65 years old and can deadlift 162 pounds, 6 reps.

[indiblue]

Originally Posted by mimi86

I'll definitely look into it. I want to try doing deadlifts but I don't have enough weight to do them (yet!)

I avoid deadlifts because I don't trust my form. So I definitely understand and can relate- I'd love to incorporate them into my routine but can't right now.

Try some simple back exercises. This video may be a useful start: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOXiaw5e5f4. Many beginning back exercises start with lying on the stomach and lifting the arms/legs in various ways (lifting opposite hands/legs for 15 reps, pulsing lifts, 'swimming').

Stability balls offer a lot of good ideas as well (i.e. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-JiV1K9My4).

Ok I broke my rule on sharing back exercises when I'm not an expert... if others have recommendations or perspectives feel free to jump in.

And nice job getting your lat workouts in!

[mkroyer]

deadlifts are going to require a LOT more weight than you have access to..... and in my hinest opinion if you really ARE trying to build muscle, you REALLY need to be lifting heavier.
RE: Pushups...... in my opinioin, if you start doing them on your knees, you wont get the same benefit and it will be harder to progress to "real" pushupc. I sugest working through a progression of INCLINES..... start leaning against a wall, or with your arms on a high step, or a low step, a bench, whatever, working your way down till your hands are on the ground. I ALSO recommend just DOING THEM lol. when its pushup time,. do as many as you CAN on your toes, with hands on the floor-- even if its only one. Then finish out your reps at your preferred incline.... i hope this makes sense.
for the back-- BUY A PULLUP BAR (CHEAP CHEAP) to out in a doorway and you can use resistance bands for assisstance, or you can jump up and Negatives... nothing works your back like pullups (AND DEADLIFTS) Deads are my favorite FAVORITE exercise-- they truly work the entire back of your body. ANd what about doing Bent over, REAR delat flys for your upper back and traps? pullovers are really good for your lats as well

ETA-- being on a severly restricted budget, i agree that a set of resistance bands is going to be best option for you, for the time being.

[fitness4life]

mkroyer - that's excellent advice.

[Lydia227]

And if you are going the band route...may I suggest these in the monster mini black....

No really, these are going to provide you with enough resistance and then some to grow on. I use them for as a warm up before and inbetween squats, deadlifts, rows, sidesteps. His site has several demo vids too.

These bands will be a little rough for side step so don't be too discouraged in the number of reps you are doing.

http://resistancebandtraining.com/st...-medium-bands/