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If youre serious about lifting weights, learning how to do adeadliftis important.

person doing a Romanian deadlift

Kelsey McClellan

While that may sound intimidating, it doesnt have to be!

If youre looking for more on what deadlifts are good for, read on for your complete deadlift primer.

What is a deadlift?

deadlift with kettlebell

Kelsey McClellan

A deadlift is a weight-liftingcompound exercisethat works your lower body and your upper body.

What muscles do deadlifts work?

So yes, the deadlift can have its place in anupper-body workout!)

barbell deadlift

Katie Thompson

What are the benefits of deadlifts?

Translation: Theres no reason to go light on this move once youve mastered your technique.

Deadlifts can help get youstrong as hell, if thats a goal of yours.

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Katie Thompson

Another benefit of deadlifts is that they seriously work your grip strength.

What are deadlift mistakes to avoid?

If youre rounding your back to pick up the weight from the floor, you risk injury.

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Katie Thompson

This helps create full-body tension, which again prevents your upper back from rounding.

Bending your knees way too much is also another common deadlifting mistake.

And placement of the weight matters too.

Shauna Harrison doing a kickstand deadlift

Kelsey McClellan

So if youre using a barbell, start with it over your mid-foot.

How do you do a deadlift?

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Katie Thompson