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Exercise library

Barbell Deadlift

Hamstrings · Hinge

Generic hinge demo. Follow the steps below for this exact exercise.

HingeCompound

Lifting a loaded barbell from the floor to standing, the main test of whole-body pulling strength.

Difficulty
Hard
Tracking
Measured in reps

Muscles worked

HamstringsGlutesBackCore

Equipment

Barbell

How to do it

  1. Stand with your feet hip width and the bar over the middle of your feet, close to your shins.
  2. Push your hips back and grip the bar just outside your legs, keeping your back flat and chest up.
  3. Take the slack out of the bar, brace your core and push the floor away with your legs.
  4. Stand tall with your hips and knees locked, then lower the bar by pushing your hips back and bending your knees.

Coaching cues

  • Keep the bar touching your legs the whole way up and down.
  • Stop the set when your back position changes, not when your grip gives out.