How to Deadlift Like a Beast – 4 Simple Tips
When it comes to functional compound exercises in the gym, you’d struggle to find something more effective than the deadlift. The deadlift is one of the most effective compound exercises in existence, and many consider it to be, pound-for-pound, the best exercise for testing overall strength and power. Currently, the WR is held by former World’s Strongest Man, Eddie ‘The Beast’ Hall. Eddie deadlifted a staggering 500 kg, which many people never believed possible. Where as this is arguably the most impressive lift in the history of mankind, most mere mortals won’t get anywhere close to that. That doesn’t mean that you can’t pull some impressive numbers, though. If you want to deadlift like a beast, or should we say ‘The Beast’, here are a few simple tips.
Get your grip right – When it comes to deadlifting, it doesn’t matter what anybody else is lifting, all you need to concern yourself with is how much you’re able to lift. If you want to increase your max, one of the first things you should do is experiment with your grip. Generally, you can either go with an overhand grip, or a mixed grip, which is one hand overhand, and the other underhand. See which feels right for you, and move your hands along the bar a few centimetres at a time. Seriously, try it, and you’ll be amazed by the different outcomes.
Have the bar centred – People think that deadlifting is all about using brute force to lift the weight off the floor. In truth, the deadlift is one of the most technical exercises in existence. There are so many variables you must consider when it comes to the perfect deadlift, including the bar placement. To get the most from the lift, ensure that the bar must be centred. The bar needs to be as close to the body as possible so that it can travel the least amount of distance. If the bar isn’t centred properly, this can throw everything off. Ensure that the bar is in the centre of your whole foot, rather than your forefoot.
Never bounce the bar – If you’re going for a 1 rep max, this isn’t really relevant. If, however, you’re going for reps, pay close attention. When deadlifting for reps, the temptation is always there to bounce the bar off the ground to get momentum. Don’t! With each rep, set the bar down for a second, ensure your grip and foot placement is correct, and go again. Deadlifting in this way will provide far more long-term benefits than bouncing the barbell off the ground to help get momentum to lift the weight.
Don’t always go heavy – If you’re looking to deadlift more weight, surely you should constantly be pushing yourself to lift as heavy a weight as possible with each deadlift session? Actually, if you want to improve your deadlift for the long-term, don’t always go heavy. Some sessions, deadlift 60% of your 1 rep max for reps. Other times, really lighten the load and deadlift to absolute failure with high reps. Basically, don’t constantly try to improve your 1 rep max every time you deadlift, because this simply won’t help you improve.