Bodybuilding.com - Barbell Deadlift Exercise Guide and Video

Type: Strength
Main Muscle Worked: Lower Back
Other Muscles: Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lats, Middle Back, Quadriceps, Traps
Equipment: Barbell
Mechanics Type: Compound
Level: Intermediate
Sport: Yes
Force: Pull
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Main Muscle: Lower Back

Stand in front of a loaded barbell.
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.
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.
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.
Perform the amount of repetitions prescribed in the program.

Caution:

This is not an exercise to be taken lightly. If you have back issues, substitute it for a rowing motion instead.
If you have a healthy back, ensure perfect form and never round the back as this can cause back injury. Be cautious as well with the weight used; in case of doubt, use less weight rather than more.

Variations: Dumbbells can be used as well though I find the bar version easier to perform.

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Comment Type: Review Tip

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Review: Barbell Deadlift	Exercise Rating	10/10
Nov 18, 2009 6:38 PM: best excercise out there

Height:

5 '8" (1.73m)

Weight:

155 lbs

Up 10.0 lbs

Bodyfat:

12.0 %

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1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Review: Barbell Deadlift	Exercise Rating	10/10
Nov 11, 2009 1:56 PM: This exercise video was fixed over a week ago. Thus, all old video reviews from before the update will be deleted. (They're out-of-date now.)