Barbell Deadlift
The Barbell Deadlift primarily works the Erector Spinae, Gluteus Maximus, with secondary activation of the Adductor Magnus, Biceps Femoris (Long Head), Gluteus Maximus, Rectus Femoris, Soleus and stabilizer support from the Erector Spinae, External Obliques, Gastrocnemius (Medial), Levator Scapulae, Rectus Abdominis, Rhomboids, Trapezius (Middle), Trapezius (Upper). It is a barbell compound exercise at intermediate difficulty.
A barbell compound pull exercise targeting the Erector Spinae and Gluteus Maximus.
| Equipment | Barbell |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Hinge |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Erector Spinae, Gluteus Maximus |
| Secondary | Adductor Magnus, Biceps Femoris (Long Head), Gluteus Maximus, Rectus Femoris, Soleus |
Muscles Worked
Front
Back
Primary
Secondary
Stabilizer
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
- Primary Muscle Gluteus Maximus (glutes)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Adductor Magnus (adductors)
- Secondary Muscle Biceps Femoris (Long Head) (hamstrings)
- Secondary Muscle Gluteus Maximus (glutes)
- Secondary Muscle Rectus Femoris (quadriceps)
- Secondary Muscle Soleus (calves)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
- Stabilizer Muscle External Obliques (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Gastrocnemius (Medial) (calves)
- Stabilizer Muscle Levator Scapulae (neck)
- Stabilizer Muscle Rectus Abdominis (core)
- Stabilizer Muscle Rhomboids (back)
- Stabilizer Muscle Trapezius (Middle) (back)
- Stabilizer Muscle Trapezius (Upper) (back)
Instructions
- Preparation: With feet flat beneath bar, squat down and grasp bar with shoulder width or slightly wider overhand or mixed grip. Execution: Lift bar by extending hips and knees to full extension. Pull shoulders back at top of lift if rounded. Return and repeat. Comments: Target muscle is exercisedisometrically. Throughout lift, keep hips low, shoulders high, arms and back straight. Knees should point same direction as feet throughout movement. Keep bar close to body to improve mechanical leverage. Grip strength and strength endurance often limit ability to perform multiple reps at heavy resistances. Gym chalk, wrist straps, grip work, and mixed grip can be used to enhance grip. Mixed grip indicates one hand holding with overhand grip and other hand holding with underhand grip.Lever barbell jackcan be used to lift barbell from floor for easier loading and unload of weight plates.
Alternative Exercises
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