As most of you may know.. i started cutting for Nationals recently. This year i want to pull out all the stops. I usually come in shredded.. but i want to take it to another level this year. I've never hit the stage with striated glutes.. striated everything else.. but glutes have always escaped me.

Ok.. babble babble.

I'll get to the point.

This is the first time i've done deadlifts for a whole year straight. Usually i just cycle 'em in and out of my training cycle.

My back and legs have always been strong points.. but i feel the deadlifts have really improved my lower back

Example: This is me about two months back at 209-212 lbs [offseason]:



Usually when i cut i don't take it to any extremes.
i.e. my caloric intake is moderate (i.e. neither high nor 'low') til the last couple weeks of the prep.. then it goes ultra-restrictive.

This year however i plan on being ultra-restrictive from 14 weeks out till 1 week out.

Usually i see no loss in strength while cutting... but i know i will during this quest for striated glutes

Tonight i did deadlifts.. pulled 505 for 3 reps.

Normally i pull 545 for 3 reps.. and rep out at 505.

I'm at the start of my prep.. and my strength is regressing already.

I don't think the exercise will be as functional (for maintenance at least) if the weight decreases.. as it will.

So i plan on dropping the deadlift for the next 14 weeks.

My question.. the main question:

Will i lose a lot of back musculature if i don't deadlift for that time?

Will hyper-extensions etc. help maintain that musculature?

All Opinions appreciated.. the more experienced (with cutting) the better.

Thanks

Narkissos