Deadlift

COURTESY OF GLOBAL FITNESS

Major muscles used

• Quadricpes
• Lower back
• Glutes
• Hamstrings

Performing the deadlift

• Place the barbell on the floor in front of you.
• Place your feet approximately shoulder width apart.
• Bend down and grasp the bar, with palms down, just outside of your knees.
• Keep your knees bent, back straight, and head up at all times.
• Using your legs and back, stand up until legs, back, and arms are straight. Keep your head up and abdominals tight while standing.
• Keeping your back straight, slowly return to the beginning position in a controlled manner.

Be careful

• Don't let your back hunch over as you stand up. Be sure to keep your head up and back straight while lifting with your legs and back.
• Don't jerk the weight up or use momentum when lifting the weight. Always use slow, controlled lifting movements.
• Don't increase the weight until you have developed good habits and are using proper form. Always start out using light weights.

Alternative exercises to the deadlift

NOTE: There is no real substitute exercise for the deadlift. This exercise works most of the bodies major muscle groups - the legs and the back. It will even use other major muscles groups for support during the exercise execution, including the abs, biceps, upper back and chest.

Courtesy of Global-Fitness.com, your Online Personal Trainer

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