Why Deadlift?

Last week, on the HTS Facebook page, I was asked why are all my clients always deadlifting?

I am a big fan of the deadlift (done properly- often it isn't).   If you come to one of my group training sessions or train with me, just about everyone will learn how to perform a PROPER deadlift (I have a few clients that don't because certain situations or injuries).  First of all, lets see a deadlift, so we all know what I am talking about.  In the video below, I am sumo (a type of deadlift where feet are wider than the hands) deadlifting.  Note: the lack of shoes makes it easier, grunting is optional.


405 x 3 Deadlift from Dan Hubbard on Vimeo.

Deadlifting is simply lifting something up from a position (commonly the ground) in front of you.  It is a pretty basic human movement and performed on a daily basis.  But, here is where it gets interesting, training the deadlift does two important things.  First, it strengthens the "anti-gravity" muscles that atrophy, stretch, and weaken as a consequence of living in our modern, sedentary environment.  Secondly, It teaches you how to "move properly."  I will explain that more.  Lets just say that most people don't move properly and its a function of sitting a lot, and just not knowing how to move properly.

Dissecting the Deadlift. 

While there are several variations of the deadlift, such as: the Conventional, Sumo, Romanian, Stiff-Legged, Snatch-Grip, Single-Legged deadlift.  They all have some common elements:

Maintain a "neutral" spine.

1.  Spine remains neutral (does not bend).  You need to stabilize the spine with a strong  co contraction of the torso muscles, creating a muscular and fascia scaffolding.   It is popular to 'work the core' with 'core'-specific isolation exercises, but the deadlift actually does a better job of strengthening all of the muscles that stabilize the torso.  Researchers comparing deadlifts and Squats with "core exercises" such as the Superman and Side Bridge concluded:

"Individuals performing upright, resisted, dynamic exercises can achieve high trunk muscle activation and thus may not need to add instability device exercises to augment core stability training. " (Hamlyn N, Behm DG, Young WB., 2007)

2.  The primary movement is a 'hinging' of the hips and is taught by telling a client to 'sit back' into the deadlift.  The muscles that extend the hips (glutes and hamstrings) are usually weak.  The deadlift builds the strength of these muscles. 

Sit back into the deadlift.

3.  Bar stays close to the body and moves from the upper thigh level down to various levels (depending on the type of deadlift), most commonly until the weight plates touch the ground, then back up. 

4.  Several types of weighted implements can be used, including: barbells, dumbells, and kettlebells. 




Learning How To Move Well

Some of the "anti-gravity" muscles

It is common to find tight hip flexors and hamstrings, and weak glute, abdominal, and oblique muscles when assessing a client. All of these would negatively affect hip extension strength, and often results in compensation patterns where the lower back and knees take on more stress. Lengthening the hamstrings and hip flexors, and strengthening the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes are important to "restore" hip function and protect the lower back and knees. The epidemic of low back and knee injuries would be less if everyone had stronger hips.

When learning how to deadliftt, a client learns how to simultaneously brace the torso and hinge through the hips.  Once that pattern is established, then they learn how to 'load their hips' properly.  That is, keep the stress on the hip muscles as you lift the weight. This allows you to properly strengthen these muslces. 

As the resistance increases, the torso-stabilizing muscles must also be able to maintain the neutral spine.  If the deadlift is progressed properly, it will develop all of the torso-stabilizing muscles, in addition to the hips. 

Below, one of my female clients performs a set of deadlifts during a group training session. 

Claudia 101lbx5 Deadlift from Dan Hubbard on Vimeo.
Claudia sets a new personal record on the deadlift.

Deadlifting is a very effective and practical movement that, done correctly, is very safe and a highly effective method of developing torso, grip, and hip strength.  Unfortunately, the deadlift is not utilized often because proper technique is essential and needs to be learned.  But, in the process of training the deadlift, you will strengthen the "anti-gravity" muscles and learn to move well.   

Nia is pretty strong

If you are a female who has never deadlifted before, check out Why Women Should Deadlift, by Nia Shanks.

If you are interested in learning more about proper deadlifting technique, here is a great article by Mark Rippetoe.