Deadlift Form:
Tips on How to Deadlift

Proper deadlift form can be challenging, but it becomes second nature after a few workouts. Then, you'll be able to enjoy the plethora of deadlift exercise benefits.

Deadlift Form. Deadlifts can be challenging at first, which is where many trainees will learn bad habits. The following tips will help you to make good habits.

• Always Warm Up. This exercise typically belongs near the start of a workout (unless you're a pure beginner). And if you didn't know already, you must always perform a warm up routine before the first heavy set of your training regimen, no matter the exercise type. In the case of deadlifts, even if they're not the first exercise in your weight lifting routine, it is doubly important that you perform enough warm-up sets beforehand (~3-5 sets). Being cold and unflexible are major hazards on this lift, not to mention you'll be significantly weaker.
• Start Light. To learn how to perform deadlift form correctly, you want to take your time and start with very light weights that you can easily handle. Then once you have the movement mastered, you can progress to more challenging weights.
• Back Straight. The biggest source of injuries when performing this pulling exercise is the lower back, and it's the result of either bending the back or trying to pull with it. Think of your back as a stable support for the exercise, with your legs handling the bulk of the lifting.
• Look Forward. To keep your body properly aligned you have to be looking straight ahead. Looking either up or down will cause your back to bend, opening up the possibility for injury.
• Remember to Lockout. Locking out marks the end of the exercise. If you fail to do that, then you fail to complete the repetition. In addition, you will be unable to lower the weight with proper technique.
• Don't Ignore the Negative. It's way too easy to ignore properly executing the negative (lowering) repetition. Lots of people just bring it straight down and don't allow it to slide against their legs on the way down. It's not so much of a saftey hazard as it is a performance inhibitor since you have to readjust before every rep.

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