The deadlift uses the biggest muscle groups in your body, and you want to use big muscle groups when lifting because those who lift heavy burn up a ton of calories both during their workout and for many hours after the gym session. Plus, according to Chadwell, "When you have more muscle mass, your body will devour more energy trying to maintain that muscle mass, which means more calorie expenditure." What does that mean for you? You burn more fat all over.
- Hold a barbell slightly wider than should-width grip in front of your legs with both hands. Your palms will be facing toward your body.
- Plant both feet on the floor hip-width apart and keep a slight bend in your knees.
- Pull your shoulder blades down and back. Your chest should push out slightly. This is your starting position.
- Keeping your chest, up begin hinging at the hips and lowering the barbell downward along the length of your legs, close to your thighs. Continue down until you reach the middle of your shins. Pause. You should feel a pull in your hamstrings.
- To return to starting position, push through your heels and use your glutes and hamstrings to lift the weight of the bar back up.
- Aim for three sets of 15 reps each.
