Are deadlifts really necessary?

No, deadlifts are not strictly necessary. But, they are one of the best and most reliable exercises to develop lower body strength and back thickness. If you dedicate yourself to learning proper technique, there are few exercises which will be as effective as deadlifts for size and strength.

Are deadlifts a waste of time?

It truly is a great exercise, but there’s one catch. It’s not the best exercise to build muscle. That may sound misinformed, that may even sound down right ludicrous. The fact of the matter is that as a tool for back and leg development, it’s not the best exercise of the many that exist out there.