Posts Tagged with "Deadlift technique"

Should You Use Straps When Deadlifting?

Lifting Straps. Yes, No, Maybe So? Starring at the barbell on the floor I couldn’t help but think to myself, “holy shit that’s a lot of weight.” Also, “I hope I don’t shit my spleen.” The year: 2004. The place: Albany, NY, at some random Golds Gym. I was visiting my sister and her family… Read more

How to Deadlift: The 9 Best Coaching Tips

I know this seems very uncharacteristic of me and something I normally don’t write about, but I recently collaborated with my good friend Andrew Coates and wrote an extensive article on hornets deadlifts. I don’t know the exact number, but it’s around my 37th article on T-Nation on the topic…;o) Deadlifts: A Complete Guide Andrew… Read more

Textbook Technique and Why it Doesn’t Exist

It’s not lost on me that the title of this post will raise some eyebrows. The title shouldn’t be taken too literally, because I do feel there are ideal approaches, methodologies, and “rules” to consider when coaching any lift in the weight room. That said, when it comes to exercise technique (or human movement in… Read more

1-Minute Deadlift Tip: Connect the Barbell to Your Lats

Connect the Barbell to Your Lats Admittedly, this seems a bit strange to say given we have two HANDS to grab onto the barbell with. However the LATS are a key player in “connecting” us to the barbell during deadlifts. It ensures more full-body tension, but also hands (👈 HA, see what I did there?)… Read more

1-Minute Deadlift Tip: Start Where You End

The “Reverse” Deadlift What’s unique about the deadlift – as opposed to the squat or bench press – is that it begins with a concentric, or overcoming, movement. For a variety of reasons like leverages, mobility restrictions, it’s Tuesday, etc., starting from the floor can be problematic for some people. One simple way to build… Read more

1-Minute Deadlift Tip: The Power of the Slow Start

Slow Start Deadlift Whenever someone rounds their back on a deadlift two things happen: A baby seal dies. I have to fight off the urge to throw my face into a fire. Caveats exist, however. Everyone at some point will round their back. Elite lifters will do it – sometimes on purpose – to lock… Read more

1-Minute Deadlift Tip: External Cues For the Win

External (Not Internal) Cues For the Win You’ve heard these before: Chest up. Extend your T-spine. Create torque in your hips. Those are cues which work well for some, but can sound like Elvish to many trainees, particularly when they’re new to deadlifting. Instead, get more acquainted with external cues which, contrast to their internal… Read more

1 Minute Deadlift Tip: When To Consider Using a Sumo Style Deadlift

When To Consider Using a Sumo Style Deadlift To me, the conventional deadlift (feet closer together, hands outside knees) is the most advanced variation of the deadlift and likely not the best starting point for most lifters. Yet, purists out there would prefer passing a kidney stone through their eyeballs than ever consider reverting to… Read more