Purpose

(1) To work the lower back, upper back, trapezius muscles, the gluteal group, and the legs. Deadlifting is the exercise which involves more muscles than any other.

Execution

(1) Place a barbell on the floor in front of you. Bend your knees, lean forward, and grasp the bar in a medium - wide grip, and the other in an underhand grip. Keep the back fairly straight to protect it from injury. Do NOT curve your back, as this may risk injury.

(2) Begin your lift by driving with the legs. Straighten up until you are standing upright, then throw the chest out and the shoulders back, much like a reserve soldier coming to attention.

(3) To lower the weight, bench the knees, lean forward from the waist, and touch the floor before beginning the next repetition.

Tips

(1) Deadlift with your back right and straight, and keep the head up to keep undesirable stress off the spinal column and lower back muscles.