Tag Archives: deadlifts

Are Squats and Deadlifts Enough for Abs?

| by Truth Seeker |

Short answer: Compound movements like squats and deadlifts require а strong mid-section and spinal erectors. The job of those muscles is to stabilize the spine and allow efficient transfer of the force generated by the legs, hips, and back to the bar. The abdominals and the trunk muscles are the pillars keeping the “edifice” together. […]

Should I Retract My Shoulders During Deadlifts?

| by Truth Seeker |

Complete scapula retraction (pinching your shoulder blades together) is practically impossible to during a heavy deadlift. The rhomboids and the mid-traps will never be strong enough to maintain the position. Besides, it is unnatural to have your shoulders retracted when a heavy weight is hanging off of your hands. It’s like trying to deadlift with your wrists curled (false […]

The Role Of The Lats In The Deadlift

| by Truth Seeker |

Surprisingly, or not, the deadlift works the whole back from top to bottom. “But, what about the lats? Do they work during deadlifts,” asked the muscle nerds. Yes, brahs. The latissimus dorsi works incredibly hard when you deadlift. The lats are the biggest muscle in the upper body. When you deadlift, they have the following […]