Barbell Deadlift

Instructions

Preparation

With feet flat beneath bar, squat down and grasp bar with shoulder width or slightly wider over hand or mixed grip.

Execution

Lift bar by extending hips and knees to full extension. Pull shoulders back at top of lift if rounded. Return and repeat.

Comments

Target muscle is exercised isometrically. Throughout lift keep hips low, shoulders high, arms and back straight. Knees should point same direction as feet throughout movement. Keep bar close to body to improve mechanical leverage. Grip strength and strength endurance often limits ability to perform multiple reps at heavy resistances. Gym chalk, wrist straps, grip work, and mixed grip can be used to enhance grip. Mixed grip indicates one hand holding with over hand grip and other hand holding with underhand grip. Lever barbell jack can be used lift barbell from floor for easier loading and unload of weight plates. Also see Deadlift under Gluteus Maximus and Deadlift Strength Standards.