Barbell Deadlift

Barbell Deadlift — Start position
Start position
Barbell Deadlift — End position
End position
Region
Lumbar & Core
Equipment
Barbell
Category
Strength
Level
Intermediate
Mechanic
compound
Force
pull

Muscles worked

  • lower back
  • calves
  • forearms
  • glutes
  • hamstrings
  • lats
  • middle back
  • quadriceps
  • traps

Filled = primary · Outlined = secondary

Source: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

How to perform

  1. Stand in front of a loaded barbell.

  2. While keeping the back as straight as possible, bend your knees, bend forward and grasp the bar using a medium (shoulder width) overhand grip. This will be the starting position of the exercise. Tip: If it is difficult to hold on to the bar with this grip, alternate your grip or use wrist straps.

  3. While holding the bar, start the lift by pushing with your legs while simultaneously getting your torso to the upright position as you breathe out. In the upright position, stick your chest out and contract the back by bringing the shoulder blades back. Think of how the soldiers in the military look when they are in standing in attention.

  4. Go back to the starting position by bending at the knees while simultaneously leaning the torso forward at the waist while keeping the back straight. When the weights on the bar touch the floor you are back at the starting position and ready to perform another repetition.

  5. Perform the amount of repetitions prescribed in the program.

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