AUGUST 2019 / MUSCLE & FITNESS 117THE CLASSIC
BARBELL DEADLIFT
THE SET-UP
The set up for the deadlift varies for each person
but the basic principle is always the same. Stand
close to the bar, screw your feet into the ground
to activate your feet, legs and glutes, bend down
and grab the bar with your hands along your
knees, and then try to wrap the bar around you
to activate your lats. Take a big breath in and sit
back - getting your weight behind the bar makes
By Jon V Williams & Benedikt Magnussona huge difference so gravity doesn’t carry the bar
forwards and away from you. Lifting straight up is
more efficient! Visualise pushing the ground away
with your legs, then you are ready to lift. THE LIFT
When in a braced position, drive your legs into
the ground and simultaneously bring your chest
up. When the bar reaches the top of your knees,
drive your hips forward by squeezing your glutes
with maximum effort. Make sure you stand fully
erect with your shoulders back, rolling your
shoulder blades towards your glutes.