Barbell Deadlift
How to do the Barbell Deadlift with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.
Lower Back
Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lats, Mid Back, Quads, Traps
Barbell
How to do the Barbell Deadlift
- 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.
Log it, see it on your body.
Every Barbell Deadlift set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your lower back volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.
More lower back exercises
Barbell Deadlift: common questions
What muscles does the Barbell Deadlift work?
The Barbell Deadlift primarily works the Lower Back. It also recruits the Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lats, Mid Back, Quads and Traps as supporting muscles.
Is the Barbell Deadlift suitable for beginners?
The Barbell Deadlift is an intermediate-level exercise. It's best once you've built a base of general strength and movement control, beginners can work up to it.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Deadlift?
To do the Barbell Deadlift you'll need a barbell.
Is the Barbell Deadlift a compound or isolation exercise?
The Barbell Deadlift is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.
How do I do the Barbell Deadlift with correct form?
Stand in front of a loaded barbell. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.
Log your Barbell Deadlift sets, free.
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