Hip Thrust PR and Sumo Deadlift PR

I made a goal for myself that once I became strong enough to do a 225 x 10 hip thrust then I will start deadlifts again. I had a problem with deadlifts in the past because my glutes were not strong enough to properly lock out the weight. My erectors would take over and bam back pain. Well I hit 225 x 10 on the hip thrust way earlier than I thought. Now they were not pretty, I certainly could of locked out the weight by another inch and held it for another second at the top but that is close enough for me for now. I think my feet were too far out. Next time I will pull them in closer.

I then tried some deadlifts. I opt for sumo stance deadlifts because they keep my spine straighter than conventional stance. I also am using a hook grip (thumbs around bar 1st then fingers over thumb vs conventional grip of fingers over bar 1st then thumb over finger). I am using the hook grip for a couple reasons. The biggest reason is injury prevention. I simply can't afford a bicep tear. It also great for the Olympic lifts (clean and jerk, snatch) because I plan on getting into them soon when I have more time for training.   

Deadlifts worked out better than I ever hoped for. I havent pulled deadlifts in a very long time. I cant tell you the last time I pulled deadlifts. I did sets of 3 until I got to 315. I wanted 315 for a triple but my hook grip just gave out as I am just not used to holding a bar that way. So I threw on 365 and went for it. Watch closely at the end right before I grab my camera phone, I almost passed out. Not used to max deadlifts :) This is a PR for me. I have pulled 505 with a belt mixed grip years ago in a competition but I am considering this a PR since its sumo, no belt and hook grip. Then I finished up with 1 set of weighted crunches, side bends, and reverse hyper machine. Now that I feel I can deadlift safely I will start a deadlift day up 5/3/1 style.