The deadlift is the most honest lift in the gym: the bar is either off the floor or it is not. Get the setup right and it will build more total-body strength than almost anything else. Here is the five-step setup we teach every new member.
1. Feet under the bar
Stand with the bar over the middle of your foot, feet about hip-width apart. From above, the bar should cut your shoelaces in half.
2. Grip just outside the legs
Bend at the hips and take a double overhand grip, hands just outside your shins.
3. Shins to the bar
Bend your knees until your shins touch the bar. Do not move the bar towards you.
4. Chest up, back flat
Squeeze your chest up and pull the slack out of the bar. You should feel your lats switch on.
5. Push the floor away
Drive through your whole foot and stand up tall. Lower with control and reset for every rep.
