3 Cues for a Better Barbell Deadlift
No matter what your fitness back round is, you’ve probably done a deadlift before. There are many different types of deadlifts: barbell, suitcase, kettlebell, dumbbell, trap bar, laundry basket…. The foundation is the same for all. A hip hinge with a neutral spine, picking up an object. As a deadlift is such a foundational movement, it is always good to go over cues to make sure you are doing it correctly. Today, we will focus on the barbell deadlift, as it is very common to see in fitness programs, along with most commercial gyms have at least a couple bars around. I also highly recommend using bumper plates if your gym has them when doing barbell deadlifts.
The Cues:
Shoulder blades should be over the barbell in the starting position. This is a position that will help you self correct other potential mistakes.
Brace your core before and throughout the lift. This helps maintain a stable midline throughout the whole movement. Bracing your core should feel like your muscles are tensing, but still able to breath.
The bar should move in a straight line up and down, close to your body. Your knees should not interfere with the path of the bar, nor should the barbell drift away from your body. This also means no energy is wasted in moving the barbell not in the direction you want it to go.