BARBELL DEADLIFT

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Posted on: 12-06-2021

ORIGIN

According to prominent myth, origin of word deadlift is, literally, “lifting the dead”. As stated in history during post-Republican period, soldiers of ancient Roman empire carry the corpses of their fellowmen in battlefield. Through dead-lifting, the young Romans, learned a technique of lifting the dead while boosting their strength.

Keeping history aside, actual origin of deadlift is difficult to map within timelines. In Early 1700’s, the first resembled deadlift movement was performed by famous British strongman Thomas Topham popularly known as “The British Samson”. Records state that he lifted over 600 kgs of weight standing on a platform with a harness around his neck/upper back.

In 1800’s, George Barker Windship invented a somewhat partial deadlift machine known as “Health Lift”. In this the weightlifter uplifts the weights from side, rather than in front of him. The movement of deadlift was more like a belt squat standing on elevated surface.

Moving onto 1900’s, popularity of deadlift was increased by famous German strongmen Hermann Goerner known as “Father of The Deadlift”. He became famous for his feats including One Hand Deadlift (330 kgs), Two Hand Deadlift (360 kgs), Snatched (125 kgs) & Jerking (160 kgs), Triple Flipping (50 kgs Kettlebell), Deadlifting a Bar with Men of Each Side & Wrestling an Elephant.

This was just the start, as the deadlift popularity increase, so did the numbers. The current world-record stand for 1,104-pound deadlift (501kg) by strongman Hafthor Bjornsson in May, 2020.

HOW TO DO IT

Standing with your feet shoulder-width apart with toes under the bar, bend your hips and knees, keeping a flat back. Grasp the bar firmly with an overhand grip or mixed grip just outside your legs. Keeping your lower back naturally arched, pull your torso up and thrust your hips forward as you stand up with the barbell. As you lift the bar, keep it as close to your body as possible. Lower the bar to the floor with a reverse motion ensuring a straight back again. Aim to perform 3 sets/15 reps or 4 sets/10 reps of this exercise keeping your focus on full range of motion.