Exercise guide
Barbell Deadlift
The Barbell Deadlift lifts a bar from the floor to a standing position. The legs and hips produce much of the force while the back, lats, traps, forearms, and trunk keep the load controlled. Because many muscle groups contribute, it is usually treated as a major strength exercise.
Training context
Before adding the Barbell Deadlift
Deadlifts are often placed early in a workout while the grip, trunk, and attention are fresh. The amount of weight should match the role of the exercise, whether it is a primary strength lift or lighter technique work.
Stance, grip, footwear, plate height, and whether each repetition resets on the floor can all affect the movement. Keep those details consistent when comparing sessions.
Technique overview
Organize the pull before the bar moves
Stand with the bar close to the middle of your feet. Set your grip, bend the knees and hips as needed, and brace before pushing through the floor. Keep the bar near the legs as you stand, finishing upright without leaning backward. Return it by sending the hips back and bending the knees as the bar approaches the floor. Reset when the starting position changes.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.