Accelerate Natural Energy

I figured I would welcome the weekend with a little humor and a little truth. Here is Jon Sigmarsson, a legendary strongman, performing the deadlift–one of the most beneficial and functional lifts.

The deadlift is one of the greatest mass and strength building lifts because it:

1. It is a compound movement
2. It causes the release of natural “muscle building” hormones into your body
3. It is a functional movement

The deadlift is a compound movement, which means it works many different muscle groups of your body. In fact, the deadlift works just about all of them. The lower body and greater regions of the back are the most effectied by the lift, but you use nearly every other muscle (ie. calves, biceps, forearms,) to control the weight.

Because of its effect on so many muscle groups, the deadlift is one of few exercises that initiates the release of “muscle building” hormones into the body.

Finally, the deadlift is a functional movement. It simulates picking something up from off the ground. How many times a day do you press something out from in front of you similar to the movement of a bench press? How about curl something? Although this seems like a small point, isn’t the purpose of strength training to build stronger, more aesthetically pleasing, and useful muscle?

Unfortunately, the deadlift has been the foot of injury myths for many years. Claims such as damaged or injured backs seem to be the most wide spread. Remember, just like with any other lift, injury can be avoided if proper technique is used! With that said, the deadlift must not be avoided. All of my fitness plans incorporate the deadlift because without it, I would feel like I would have “no reason to be alive”.

Happy and safe lifting!