How to Deadlift

The deadlift is one of the best full body, compound exercises that builds muscle across the entire body and real strength. The deadlift (and its variations) is considered one of the basic foundational movements that is typically included into most comprehensive strength programs.

If you can learn and drill proper deadlift form, you will be able to progress and build serious levels of strength, without injury. But like all training, you must progress slowly. The deadlift is notorious for bad form, using too much weight and wrecking your back, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. That is the reason for this “How to Deadlift” page. I want to make sure that all lifters are informed and have the best chance at performing the movement correctly and safely.

As you start to build competency with hinging and deadlifting, it becomes important to start integrating different varieties of deadlifts into your program to ensure progression and the elimination of weaknesses.

Types of Deadlifts:

Conventional Deadlifts

Sumo Deadlifts

Snatch Grip Deadlifts

Benefits:

Moving the hands out into a snatch grip will increase the degree of hip flexion and range of motion of the lift. There is also a greater engagement of the posterior chain and grip. When the grip fails, add straps to keep the focus on the purpose of the lift, developing the core and the glutes, hamstrings and spinal erectors.

Suitcase Deadlifts

Trap Bar Deadlifts

Scientific Studies on the Deadlift

Study 1: Barbell Deadlifts vs. Trap Bar Deadlifts

J Strength Cond Res. 2011 Jul;25(7):2000-9.
A biomechanical analysis of straight and hexagonal barbell deadlifts using submaximal loads.
Swinton PA, Stewart A, Agouris I, Keogh JW, Lloyd R.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21659894

School of Health Sciences, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. p.swinton@rgu.ac.uk

Abstract

The purpose of the investigation was to compare the kinematics and kinetics of the deadlift performed with 2 distinct barbells across a range of submaximal loads. Nineteen male powerlifters performed the deadlift with a conventional straight barbell and a hexagonal barbell that allowed the lifter to stand within its frame. Subjects performed trials at maximum speed with loads of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% of their predetermined 1-repetition maximum (1RM). Inverse dynamics and spatial tracking of the external resistance were used to quantify kinematic and kinetic variables. Subjects were able to lift a heavier 1RM load in the hexagonal barbell deadlift (HBD) than the straight barbell deadlift (SBD) (265 ± 41 kg vs. 245 ± 39 kg, p < 0.05). The design of the hexagonal barbell significantly altered the resistance moment at the joints analyzed (p < 0.05), resulting in lower peak moments at the lumbar spine, hip, and ankle (p < 0.05) and an increased peak moment at the knee (p < 0.05). Maximum peak power values of 4,388 ± 713 and 4,872 ± 636 W were obtained for the SBD and HBD, respectively (p < 0.05). Across the submaximal loads, significantly greater peak force, peak velocity and peak power values were produced during the HBD compared to during the SBD (p < 0.05). The results demonstrate that the choice of barbell used to perform the deadlift has a significant effect on a range of kinematic and kinetic variables. The enhanced mechanical stimulus obtained with the hexagonal barbell suggests that in general the HBD is a more effective exercise than the SBD.

Study 2:
Comparing the biomechanics of conventional and sumo deadlifts

Original Source – CLICK HERE

Deadlift Benefits:

– builds full body strength
– develops power
– adds muscle mass to the entire body
– develop core strength and stability of the torso
– builds confidence and mental toughness
– builds support grip strength
– helps you pick up chicks

How to Build the Deadlift:

1. Good Form – First off, you have to deadlift with good form. If you form is off, it will lead to you missing the lift, typically right off the floor.
   1. Form Check
   2. Shins on the bar – You must make sure you are as close to the bar as possible. This shortens the distance between the center of gravity (COG) of the bar and the COG of the lifter. This is the most advantageous leverage position
   3. Big Air – You have to catch a big air to increase your intra-abdominal pressure
   4. Force Your Abs Out – This along with a big air will provide you with a natural belt to ensure your lower back and abdominals are braced and strong. This technique is further enhanced when you actually wear a belt because you’ll be forcing your abdominals out against a rigid object.
   5. Do Not Jerk the Weight Off the Floor – Rather push the floor away after you develop a high level of full body tension.
   6. Keep the Bar Against Your Body the Entire Lift – Again, maximizing your leverages.
   7. Lockout With a Powerful Glute Contraction – Do not hyperextend your lower back, lock out your hips by forcibly contracting your glutes.
2. Are You Weak? – Make sure you develop not only your posterior chain, but your core strength, upper back musculature and grip.
   1. Develop Posterior Chain – RDL’s, Stiff Legged Deadlifts, GHR, Reverse Hypers, Partial Range (rack lockouts), Beyond the Range (standing on plates or blocks)
   2. Develop Core – Engaging in compound movements, L-sit pull-ups, medicine ball exercises, ab roller, the posterior chain exercise in part 1 develop the antagonist (to the abdominals) side of the “core”.
   3. Develop Your Upper Back – pull ups, face pulls, seated rows, bent over rows
   4. Develop Grip Strength – thick bar holds, rack holds, plate pinch, utilize double overhand (pronated grip) as long as you can while you’re working up on your deadlifts sets.
3. You’re Not Psyching Up! – To pull heavy you have to be mentally prepared. When you approach the bar you have to be ready to go. Good lifting partners and your favorite music can make a huge difference in your mental preparation for a big pull.

Deadlift Considerations:

1. I’m Missing at Lockout – What should I do?
   • Technique – You must finish the glute contraction, ensure your head is forward and pull shoulders back. You must also work on the speed of movement. Once the bar gets past the knees, drive the hips forward with a powerful hip contraction. See the Deadlift Tips section below for a video on exactly how to do this finish.
   • Strength – incorporate more pull-ups, rack pulls, banded rack pulls, good mornings, reverse hypers and heavy sled drags and/or prowler pushes. Don’t forget about band assisted deadlifts. This will help to overload the lockout and allow you to use heavier weights so when you go back to straight weight, your previous 1RM will feel easier.
2. Knees Kicking In with Sumo Deadlifts – What should I do?
   • Technique – You have to force the knees out during the eccentric and concentric phases of the lift, “spread the floor” means your posterior chain will be on tension as you ascend and descend through the movement. Also, work on your hip mobility and core strength. This will help you hit depth to get a good setup on the bar and you’ll have the core strength to remain upright as you start the pull phase. Don’t think about pulling the weight, think about “pushing the floor away”.
   • Strength – incorporate x-band walks, lunges, barbell hip thrusts, ultra-wide backward sled drags, step-ups
3. I’m Missing Off the Floor – What should I do?
   • Technique – Before you begin the movement create tension through the legs, into your lower back AND across the lats before pulling. This will ensure the utmost strength potential. This is typically referred to as “taking the slack out of the bar” and this is something to strive for even with lighter weights. If you drill this pre-tensioning with every lift, then when the weights get heavy, it will be automatic. Keep your head up and push the ground away. Also, make sure you try various foot positions to see which one fits your natural leverages and your current level of mobility. Don’t forget to get the most advantage off the floor by wearing minimal shoes or even barefoot when deadlifting.
   • Strength – incorporate beyond the range deadlifts, beyond the range band resisted deadifts, band resisted deadlifts, GHR’s, dynamic effort (speed deadlifts).
4. My Back is Rounding When I Start the Movement – What should I do?
   • Technique – Immediately start by lowering the weight. This is a sign that you don’t have the strength to remain in a neutral (torso remaining in a straight line from the head to the butt) position during the lift. You’ll have to earn the right to lift the weight and remember that sometimes you have to take a step back before moving forward.
   • Strength – Work on your core strength and start incorporating more rack pulls. The core exercises should focus on torso stability and “preventing” movement or anti-movements. Exercises like ab roller, hanging leg lifts, anti-rotation sled drags are amazing for building this high level of core strength. When performing the rack pulls, setup the pin height in the power cage to a level where you are able to remain in a good posture lifting AND lowering the bar. As you get stronger and can demonstrate good form, slowly and progressively lower the pins and continue with more volume at these new, lower levels

How to Deadlift the Proper Way

How to Deadlift the Proper Way Without Wrecking Your Back

The deadlift is notorious as a back breaker in most peoples minds. When in fact, it is the poor execution of a deadlift, combined with poor mobility / flexibility, improper warm-up, poor core strength and many other factors that led to the acute or cumulative trauma.

I wanted to give everyone a quick, easy-to-understand, easy-to-apply setup for the conventional deadlift. It will give you the perfect setup every time.

How to Deadlift Video

Here is what you’ll see in the video:

– conventional stance deadlift
– how to setup proper distance from bar
– hip placement / posture
– proper breathing patterns
– bracing, intra-abdominal pressure
– how to create tension (irradiation) for more strength and a safer lift
– grip considerations
– concentric phase – proper drive off the floor and to lockout
– eccentric phase – lowering the weight under control and by loading the glutes and hamstrings
– the importance of upper back engagement
– neutral head posture

Here is a step-by-step setup guide for conventional deadlifts:

1. Setup with your feet shoulder width or slightly wider than shoulder width apart
2. Toes can be straight ahead or turned outward
3. Shins should be approximately 4-6″ AWAY from the bar
4. Grab the bar with a double overhand grip (until the weight gets too heavy)
5. Legs will be straight
6. Take a big breath and force your abdominals outward and hold
7. Drop your hips as your knees shift forward toward the bar
8. Create tension in your upper back and lats by squeezing your armpits and pulling your arms downward
9. Drive the floor away, keeping the bar against your body all the way to lockout
10. Once bar gets to your knees finish the lockout with a powerful glute contraction, finish in a straight line
11. Move hips backward, keeping the glutes and hamstrings on tension
12. The bar will move downward and once the bar reaches the knees, drop straight downward back to the floor
13. REPEAT

Another consideration I wanted to add to the Training Center was how a deadlift can be modified.

More Step-by-Step Details

Here are some simple, real world cues for setting up on the deadlift that can help you improve your technique.

1. The feet: Your feet should be placed approximately shoulder width apart, but it will be completely individualized. Even recently, just a small change in my own foot placement allowed me to keep more tension off the floor and get better leverage. Make sure your feet are flat and driving downward. If you drop your hips to pull and your ankles roll to the outside or the inside, something isn’t optimal. Change your shoes, change your foot placement, or maybe even improve your ankle mobility.
2. The shins: Your shins should start approximately 4–6 inches off the bar so that when you load into the bar, you can translate your shins and knees forward. This will allow your hips to drop into place and keep your lower back arched with appropriate tension. If you are too close to the bar, you’ll never be able to get the right line of pull or optimal leverage.
3. The grip: Your hands should be right outside your legs to minimize the hip angle and decrease the distance you have to pull. We always recommend pulling double overhand until your grip gives out. Then switch to a hook grip or even use straps. I usually don’t let my athletes pull with an alternated grip. Other deadlift grip considerations can be found at http://www.elitefts.com/documents/grip_training.htm.
4. The air: You must catch your air before the lift. This, along with a powerful isometric contraction of not only the abdominals but all of the muscles that surround the torso (anterior and posterior), will give you the tension to lift the weight with good form and protect the spine. With conventional deadlifts, I like to catch the air with the hips high before the drop so I can get the maximal amount of air in. Once the hips are dropped, you’re compressed (especially if you have a belt on), and you might be limited in your breathing.
5. The tension: Like previously stated, massive amounts of tension must be created not only across the quads, hamstrings, and glutes but also the grip and back. Remember, the more tension you can create, the stronger you’ll be and the more protected your spine and back will be. This tension allows your body to act as a single unit or one kinetic chain. One important tip for this cue is never forget the tension in the upper back. This is key to pulling it all together. You will immediately feel stronger if you can create tension across your back by squeezing the bar down and “flexing” the armpits, pulling the lats into the lift.
6. The pull: By driving your feet downward into the floor, the weight will begin its upward movement. Don’t allow your hips to rise too fast into a straight legged (stiff legged) position. As the bar hits the knees, a powerful glute contraction will lock you into a straight (line) torso position. This is a common error for most lifters who try and overpull after the bar crosses their knees and they move into hyperextension.
7. The return: Don’t lower the weight straight down. Instead, load the hamstrings and glutes with a Romanian deadlift movement back to the knees. Once it reaches the knees, move the bar straight downward back to the floor where you can stroke another rep immediately or come to a complete stop and reset completely before the next rep. The multiple rep technique where you touch the ground and go again should only be done if you’ve caught your air at lockout on the previous rep.

How to Deadlift Video

How to Modify a Deadlift

Beyond the Range

Pulling through a greater range of motion (ROM) will help accelerate through sticking points — typically used for lifters who miss off the floor. This deadlift variation is done by standing on an elevated surface, either by standing on 100lb plates or on a 4-6″ box. The setup must be precise and good bracing and hip mobility will also be required for beyond the range pulling.

Deadlifts from a Deficit

Sumo Deadlifts from a Deficit

Snatch Grip Deadlifts from a Deficit

Pulling Against Bands or Chains

This technique forces the lifter to accelerate to lockout and “out run” the bands or chains. This develops greater end range strength and improves the lifter’s rate of force development (RFD). It also utilizes accommodating resistance, which means that as the lifter’s leverage advantage improves, the weight increases, i.e., more of the chains are off the floor or the bands are stretched further. You must remember that the total weight of the system (straight weight + chains / band tension) must be considered when determining the load.

Deadlifts with Chains

Sumo Deadlifts with Chains

Chain Deadlifts from a Deficit

Band Resisted Deadlifts

Band Resisted Deadlifts

Band Resisted Sumo Deadlifts

Band Forward Deadlifts

Band Assisted Pulling

This technique assists the lifter off the floor and overloads the lockout. This means the lifter gets help when they are at their weakest and they are handling more weight when they are at their strongest, i.e., the lockout. Ideally, the band tension should be completely deloaded at the lockout where they are slacked and not providing any assistance. Band assisted lifting allows for supramaximal weights to be used, in the range of 100-120% of 1RM approximately.

Band Assisted Deadlifts

Band Assisted Sumo Deadlifts

Beyond the Range and Band Resisted

This technique utilizes two techniques at the same time; band resistance and beyond the range.

Beyond the Range Band Resisted Deadifts

Dynamic Effort (Speed) Deadlifts

Changing the intensity of a movement means modifying one of the many workout variables, i.e., changing the volume (sets x reps), changing the speed of movement, varying the rest periods or changing the load (amount of weight lifted). If we focus on the speed of movement, or tempo, we can make some serious adaptations. Two of which would be activating higher threshold motor units and learning to accelerate through previous sticking points. Dr. Hatfield termed the phrase compensatory acceleration training (CAT) to describe movements utilizing lighter loads that are moved fast and made to “feel” like heavier loads, just from the fast speed of movement. Zatsiorsky termed this method of creating strength as dynamic efforts. Either way, loads of approximately 50-75% of 1RM that are moved with great intent will not only create power, but push you through a strength plateau from training focused on more deliberate tempo protocols.

Changing the Implement

You can vary the deadlift by changing the implement you use for the lift. For example a strongman axle, a trap bar, fat gripz added to the barbell, towel training, dumbbells and some other odd objects can be used.

Footwear

When deadlifting, you don’t want to wear shoes that have shocks, springs or a sole that has a soft cushion. This will cause an unstable surface for you to pull from. Good deadlifters typically wear a deadlift sock, wrestling shoes or even bare feet. You can also wear Vibrams or even Sambo shoes as an alternative.

Wearing minimal shoes will do two things:

1. decreases the distance you have to pull the weight
2. provides a flat, stable surface to push against

Grip Considerations

Most lifters want to know how to improve their grip for deadlifting.

1. First thing you should do is to try chalk or dryhands (if your gym doesn’t allow chalk). Chalk your palms, fingers and the back of your pointer finger. If you are not hook gripping (a modification to protect the biceps), the pointer finger becomes an anchor point for the thumb. so you have to chalk it.

2. The second thing to try is to modify your training routine. Make sure you deadlift with a double overhand (pronated) grip as long as you gain when working up to a heavy deadlift. When you can’t hold the weight any longer, switch to a conventional alternating grip.

Here are 3 quick, simple exercises that will help increase your deadlift grip.

1. Double – Over-Hand Deadlifts (double pronated)

This simple adjustment to your normal alternated grip, will provide huge gains in your supporting
strength during competition and training. Take your normal deadlift stance, conventional or sumo, load down into the bar, and grasp the bar with a double over-hand grip. You will be quickly humbled by the amount of weight you can pull. Typically, a person who has never done this
will only be able to pull around only 60-70% of your 1RM, especially if you are loading with bands. The weight will roll right out of your hands! During your normal training day, use this grip until you cannot hold the bar anymore, then switch to your normal alternated grip, and finish your workout.

2. Thick Bar Lifting

Go to the junkyard and get an 8’ pipe, anything close to 2” OD (outside diameter). Take a 2 ½ lb plate with you to make sure it will fit on the pipe with the least amount of free space. Use this
bar everyday; for cleans, deads (double over-hand, or alternating), military press, bent-over rows, bench or any exercise you can use a regular bar for… The finger / wrist strength you will gain from incorporating thick bar work will transfer your grip strength over to new PR’s.

3. Wide Pinch

Working your grip in this outstretched position, will tax the endpoints on your fingers and teach
you to flex the palm of your hand. This is one of the key components to overall hand strength. How do you work wide pinch in a typical gym? Grab 3 x 25’s and place them all together, with
outer 2 – 25’s smooth side out. Grasp the 3 x 25’s with a double over-hand grip (fingers on the outside of the stack of weights) and pick them up. Hold them for time. Not too hard? Try this: 3 x 35’s! Pick them up and hold for time. Hope you don’t plan on using utensils when you eat next, because you won’t be able to hold a fork…! For a variation, grab the 3 x 25’s or 3 x 35’s with a double under-hand grip (supinated, thumbs on the outside of the stack of weights).

Cycle these 3 tips into your training and your deadlift grip will be solid as a vise. Always throw them in at the end of your workout because you don’t want your grip to be a limiting factor for your core exercises. Believe me – your hands will be destroyed!

How to Deadlifts Tips:

Supplemental Exercises

Supplemental exercises are defined as exercises that target the same musculature or similar movement patterns as the primary exercise. They are done after the primary movement and typically for a higher volume (sets x reps).

Romanian Deadlifts

How to Perform Romanian Deadlifts

The lifter can take the loaded bar off the rack or deadlift it into postion. From this position, the lifter will:
– pull the shoulders back and chest up
– tuck the chin
– set the torso with a diaphragmatic breath and brace outward
– perform a hip hinge, while maintaining a neutral posture
– lower the bar within the limitations of the individual’s mobility / flexibility
– reverse hip hinge with significant glute and hamstring contraction
– lock into straight alignment before repeating pattern / sequencing

Rack Pulls / Band Resisted Rack Pulls

Kettlebell Swings

Good Mornings

Safety Squat Good Mornings

Back Extensions and Back Raises

Pull-ups – Heavy Upper Back Work