Exercise of the day - Deadlift

The deadlift is part of the three most important exercises one can do - squat, deadlift and bench press. The deadlift is a whole body exercise, as it engages your whole body to lift the weight. It especially targets the lower back muscles, the glutes and the hamstrings. This is a great exercise for the ladies - do not let the barbell and the plates intimidate you!

Try the deadlift with low weights at first, and work on mastering the technique. Perfect form will not only help you prevent injuries but will also help you improve your lift tremendously.

It is very important to have good technique. This website is a good starting point to learn proper technique. Don't let it intimidate you - it's full of good info. Be sure to also look at the 13 deadlift mistakes page to help correct any problems you may have.

There are many variations you can do - stiffed leg, one leg romanian, sumo, etc. Try them all, find the one you love, and do it!

Happy Lifting!

Exercise of the day - T-bar row

One of my very favorite back exercise is the t-bar row. There are many ways you can do these.

Chest supported (I'm too short for these so I don't do them):

Regular (we don't have that machine at my gym):

Barbell + V handle:

Those are the ones I do and love. Works the back, obviously but also your core (needs to be engaged the whole time) and your legs (because you bend your legs at the knees and engage the quads).