The Knee level Rack Deadlift.

Having never lifted this weight ever before, and considering that it is only a little less than 3 x his body weight I think congratulations are in order.
Straps were used as a tool to enable the higher rep range which will translate into more muscle and more strength. I don't promote the constant use of straps because it short changes the grip. But if used efficaciously then they are an exellent training aid, same holds true for weight lifting Belts.

This lift used to be known as the 'Health Lift' because of excellent benefits to spinal health that it delivers. It is also a great as an assistance lift for the Deadlift because it allows the joints conective tissue and muscular system to adapt to greater and greater weights. I would recommend doing this one week and lifting from the floor the next. This will allow your CNS to recover from the heavy session and not lose any strength from the floor.



I am a massive fan of the Power Rack and find that with the exception of the barbell and requisite weights for lifting. It is the most important and versatile of strength gaining tools. So if you own your own gym and haven't got one you need to get one. If you frequent a commercial gym and they don't have one then it isn't really a gym, its really a pussy palace. So have a word with the owner and get him to invest in one. If he or she wont do this then go somewhere else and find a gym that will.

Dinosaur training is the greatest book written about getting strong and has a section specifically for rack training:

GRAY HAIR AND BLACK IRON: Secrets of Successful Strength Training for Older Lifters.STRENGTH, MUSCLE AND POWER.