One Simple Exercise That Could Help You Pack On Pounds of Muscle

What is the deadlift?

Back around 200 B.C. in Rome young soldiers would be sent out to retrieve their fallen soldiers and lift them onto wagons; hence, “the deadlift”. By doing this they would become used to battle but at the same time strengthen their backs. Later, this exercise would become one of the three gauges of powerlifting.

The deadlift is a free-weight exercise that utilizes a loaded barbell. Starting from a bent over position the barbell is lifted from the ground up into a standing position with the arms completely extended. There are different versions of the deadlift, however the concept is the same.

Why is this exercise so effective?

The deadlift is a compound exercise, meaning more than one muscle group and/or joint is involved. Naturally you get more benefit from a compound exercise because your are exhausting not only your primary muscle groups but your secondary, or stabilizer, muscle groups that are used for balance throughout the lift. During the deadlift you are working the muscles in your legs but also in your back, shoulders, and arms too. Thus it is ideal in any program intended to build overall muscle mass.

Also, studies have shown that the more muscle you use during an exercise the more growth hormone and testosterone is released in your body. These two hormones are vital when it comes to muscle growth. The deadlift uses more muscles than just about any other exercise you can do, which makes it one of the best for releasing these hormones.

Where does it fit in your bodybuilding program?

Since the deadlift utilizes so many muscles, it is important to organize your workouts in such a way that you will not overwork those muscles. Either working on those muscle groups the same day or at least a couple days apart from your deadlift workout is the best way to insure you are not overdoing it.

If you are looking to add a few pounds of muscle or have hit a plateau and are looking for something to help you break through it, the deadlift may be your answer. When it comes to building muscle and releasing muscle growing hormones in your body, not many exercises can compete. Of course, as with any exercise, there are inherent dangers when doing deadlifts. It is important to learn the proper way to perform this exercise to avoid any serious injuries. But, when done properly, it can help pump your muscles to the max and give you that growth you are looking for.