7 Reasons YOU Should be Deadlifting

I previously wrote about the importance of squats (https://luciawilliams.co.uk/the-end-of-squats/) and to this day one of my clients tells me it still motivates her to do them.

Well if squats are the queen of all exercises, then the deadlift is certainly their king (and because we all stand for gender equality, this basically means they are both as important as each other ;).

Here are 7 reasons why you should be deadlifting on a regular basis:
1. They are safe – contrary to what you might have heard, when performed correctly, deadlifts are one of the safest barbell exercises out there because you’re moving the bar from a dead stop.

2. They improve back strength – a strong back is important, not least because the largest reported reason for absence at work in the UK is back problems.

3. They are a complete compound movement – yes deadlifts help to strengthen your back but they are also one of the only barbell movements to include just about every single muscle group in the body. Legs, arms, hips, glutes, back, chest, shoulders and core muscles all play and part, and benefit, from deadlifts.

4. They burn fat and build muscle – when you use every muscle in the body at the same time with the correct amount of resistance your body produces testosterone and growth hormones. Both of which help to burn fat and build muscle.

5. They improve functional strength – deadlifts carry over into the real world very easily, whether you are picking up children, carrying shopping or moving furniture, a strong deadlift is going to make life easier. (In fact one of my newer clients (in her forties) who has a genetic spinal issue told me recently she is already noticing a massive increase in her ability to move stuff at work after just three months of deadlifting having never trained with weights before).

6. They are super easy to learn and can be taught in 5 simple steps.

7. They make you a badass. This one is just my humble opinion, however I think you will agree, when people find out you can lift more than your own body weight off the floor they will be impressed. And they should be.

If you are not already deadlifting regularly you might want to change that.