DEADLIFTS

PURPOSE OF EXERCISE: To work the
lower back. Deadlifts are an overall
power exercise that involves more
muscles than any other exercise in your
routine, including the lower back, upper
back, and trapezius muscles, the
buttocks, and the legs. A strong lower
back is especially important when doing
movements like Bent-Over Rows and TBar
Rows, which put a lot of strain on
this area.
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, one hand in an
overhand grip, the other in an underhand
grip. Keep your back fairly straight to
protect it from strain. If you curve your
back you risk injury. (2) Begin the lift by
driving with the legs. Straighten up until
you are standing upright, then throw the
chest out and shoulders back as if
coming to attention. To lower the
weight, bend the knees, lean forward
from the waist, and touch the weight to
the floor before beginning your next
repetition.