How To CORRECTLY Deadlift (ft. Ed Coan & Dr. Stuart McGill)

The deadlift is one of the best exercises to build tremendous strength, power and pack on pounds of muscle – however, do them wrong and you greatly increase your risk of injury especially to your back.  In this video – with the help of Ed Coan (the greatest powerlifter of all time) and Dr. Stuart McGill (the world’s foremost authority on spine biomechcics and back pain) I’m going to give you 3 simple yet extremely effective steps to perform a perfect deadlift.

Step 1 is setting up in a proper start position – For most people set your feet just inside shoulder width with toes pointed relatively straight forward. The bar should be positioned directly over your mid foot.

As you get down to the bar – there are 3 foundational technique pillars you need to focus assuming for a perfect start position before the bar is moved.

The first we already established with the bar positioned over the middle of your foot. This will ensure the bar is ready to be moved in a straight path. If the bar is positioned too far forward, the bar must then travel back in towards the body as it’s lifted from the ground. And when you’re trying to lift max weights vertically from the ground, horizontal bar movement is detrimental to the efficiency of the overall lift.

The second is to have the bar connected to your body. This means the bar will end up touching the shins in your start position. And no – you dont need the bar 5 inches away from your body because you’re really tall.

Think about this scenario for a moment – if you were to set up with the bar a few inches away from the shins – you lose the desired mid-foot alignment and create more horizontal displacement to complete the lift. Or if you do create mid-foot bar alignment and have the bar away from your shins – it means you’ve shifted your full body too far back and likely will be off balance and therefore unable to create efficient force and power into the rest of the lift.

The final “technique pillar” that completes this start position harmonious trio is aligning the bar with the posterior deltoid, which is essentially where you would place the bar for a low-bar back squat.

If we look closely at your deltoid muscle – we find it is made up of 3 parts: the anterior, middle and posterior portion.

While some use the cue “shoulders over the bar” when setting up a deadlift – I find it can be too general and can lead to more variation in set up positions. On the other hand, posterior deltoid over the bar is more foolproof and will set the person exactly where they should be every time and will create a fairly vertical arm position as a side effect – which is desirable for lifting max weights from the ground.

This last step is also especially crucial if you’re going to use a mixed grip.  This method of grabbing the barbell with one hand over and one hand under is commonly used by powerlifters as it is often stronger than a double overhand lift- allowing many to lift more weight.

Now, if your arms were not vertical or very close to it, the bar would likely drift away from the body to a greater extent on the under grip side as you stand up-  lending the bar and body to twist. So, if you find yourself twisting in this way while using a mixed grip, you might be starting with your shoulders too far forward.

Ok so before we move on the next crucial step – if you are dealing with any aches and pains while trying to deadlift  – after this video head on over to Amazon.com and check out my Injury Fix Book “Rebuilding Milo” It will show you the exact steps I use as a doctor of physical therapy to help fix injuries and help the best athletes in the world return to lifting pain free.

But for now let’s continue with today’s blog. 

Before you start your lift from the proper start position – there is a crucial next step (get tight). Most people don’t engage their glute enough at the start and get tight BEFORE the bar moves from the ground. This leads their hips to shoot up in the air and their back to round – killing deadlift efficiency (be sure to watch the full youtube video on this topic linked above for tips/cues from Ed Coan and Dr. Stuart McGill for this step!)

The 3rd and last step is the proper execution  or movement of the deadlift.      A helpful way to think about this lift is to break it down into two separate parts. From the ground to the knee is similar to a squat in that your chest and hips rise at the exact same rate. Now this doesn’t mean you start in a squat position – rather you assume the 3 fundamental pillars  of proper deadlift technique and then “squat it up” to the knee. Step 2 is to hinge like an RDL to the standing position. So put together, the sequence is “squat to the knee, then RDL up”

Last, don’t just drop the bar back to the ground. Remember, every lift in the gym has two parts – an eccentric lowering and a concentric ascent. If you throw out the lowering of a deadlift, you miss out on potential strength and muscle gains as your body has less time under tension. 

Instead, We want to control the descent by reversing the prior cues – “Hinge or RDL to the knee and then squat the bar back down.” If done correctly – you’ll finish in the perfect start position ready to start your next rep.

Until next time,

Dr. Aaron Horschig, PT, DPT, CSCS, USAW

Published by

174 thoughts on “How To CORRECTLY Deadlift (ft. Ed Coan & Dr. Stuart McGill)

    1. How To CORRECTLY Deadlift (ft. Ed Coan & Dr. Stuart McGill) offers expert guidance on perfecting one of the most effective yet potentially risky strength training exercises. With insights from powerlifting legend Ed Coan and spine expert Dr. Stuart McGill, this video emphasizes proper technique to prevent injury and maximize performance. Similarly, whether you’re lifting weights or your car, the right foundation is crucial. Just as proper form is essential in deadlifting, selecting the tyre shop Al Quoz for your vehicle ensures safety and efficiency. We offer premium tyres like Bridgestone tyres, Falken tyres, and Apollo tyres at competitive tyre price in UAE. For tyre repair Dubai and reliable services, visit our tyre shop Sharjah or tyre shop Al Quoz. We also provide Goodyear tyres, Yokohama tyres Dubai, and Pirelli tyres Dubai for optimal performance.

    2. Agree deadlift is one of the best exercises and I want to say that you wrote an excellent piece and its really worthy. Now a days I am busy with my masters thesis writing
      project and the reason I stopped exercise. But here when I read your shared article I found it well-done. I really love this part of your content which is about anterior, middle and posterior portion.

    3. Great breakdown of proper deadlift form! Keeping the back straight, engaging the core, and driving through the heels are crucial for both strength and injury prevention. Also, many people forget that grip strength and bracing play a huge role in executing a strong lift. Consistency with form is key—no ego lifting! Enter a world full of adventure, action, and strategy. Every game is a chance to challenge yourself and achieve something new. Pick your game geometrylite.cc and start playing today.

  1. Fiz meu rregisto e login e a experiência foi bastante tranquila. O processo de cadastro foi simples e rápido, com todas as etapas bem explicadas. Após a confirmação, consegui fazer login sem dificuldades. A interface é amigável, facilitando a navegação. Além disso, o suporte ao cliente foi atencioso quando precisei de ajuda. Estou animado para explorar os jogos disponíveis e aproveitar as promoções. Recomendo a todos que procuram uma plataforma confiável!

  2. At first glance, the https://melbetet.app/ website impressed me with its design and ease of use. Unlike other sites, everything is clear at a glance. In addition to games that are constantly updated, other interesting entertainment is available. I liked the fact that it is possible to choose games for any budget, and bonuses and promotions help to increase the chance of winning. The site shows that an Ethiopian site can be competitive and provide a high level of satisfaction for players.

  3. What if your company needs a website with a great design and in a short time and you don’t know who to contact? A website that who makes websites for big companies can help you and you will create your own original and promising website for your company that will serve for many years and bring success and convenience

  4. There are always rules that we should pay attention to when exercising, I got more information about them while reading your article, thanks for that, I am a person who usually likes to exercise and I exercise regularly every day, sometimes I have free time and have fun playing games, my favorite game is basketball legends https://basketballlegends.fun game, playing this game gives me pleasure and amuses me.

  5. I love finding websites that can help with my personal projects, so I started looking online. That’s when I found 1win indonesia. The platform has a good layout and helpful options that make it worth exploring. I liked the extra tools they provide, which helped me get things done much faster. It’s a site I will definitely return to.

  6. This is an incredible breakdown of the deadlift! I’ve been struggling with my Incredibox Colorbox Mustard form and this video has given me so many valuable insights. The focus on bar placement and body alignment is spot on.

  7. The deadlift is a game-changer for building strength and muscle, but improper form can lead to serious back injuries. Learning from experts like Ed Coan and Dr. Stuart McGill, this guide highlights three proven steps to perfect your deadlift while protecting your spine. Watch the video to elevate your training and minimize risks. To stay updated with more expert advice and tools, explore apps like Honista—your go-to platform for unlocking valuable content and fitness insights.

  8. One thing I’ve noticed is how smooth the mobile experience is. Whether I’m playing on my phone or tablet, everything works perfectly without any glitches. El Royale makes it easy to pick up where I left off, which is so convenient when I’m on the go. I rarely feel limited by using a smaller screen.

  9. I feel inspired by the clear and effective guidance in this video, as it combines expert advice from Ed Coan and Dr. Stuart McGill to Football Bros make mastering the deadlift both safe and efficient.

  10. This is an excellent breakdown of the deadlift technique! The detailed steps, especially with the focus on proper alignment and body positioning, make it easy to understand, Chill Guy Clicker and apply for better performance and injury prevention.

  11. This is an incredible breakdown of the deadlift! I’ve been struggling with nealgames Mustard form and this video has given me so many valuable insights. The focus on bar placement and body alignment is spot on.

  12. “Want to learn how to correctly deadlift? It’s essential to use the right form to avoid injuries and maximize your gains. You can find detailed tutorials and expert tips on proper deadlifting techniques by checking out the film app. From posture to breathing, the app provides helpful videos that guide you through every step. Download the film app today and start improving your deadlift form for better results!”

  13. For those looking to maximize their lifts and avoid injury, I highly recommend checking out the Free download on techniques and injury prevention from experts like Ed Coan and Dr. Stuart McGill. It’s a great resource for building a safer and more effective deadlift routine. Free download.

  14. Help the T-Rex dinosaur make its way across the expansive desert in the famous and acclaimed 2D arcade game dinosaur game. Get in on the fun with us right now!

  15. “Learning how to correctly deadlift is crucial for maximizing strength and avoiding injury. Focus on maintaining proper form and engaging the right muscles. Want to add some flair to your fitness tips? Use a stylish font changer to make your posts stand out and look even more inspiring!”

  16. Awesome breakdown of the deadlift! Learning from Ed Coan and Dr. Stuart McGill is invaluable—proper form makes all the difference. Gotta apply these tips in my next workout!

    Also, for those who love keeping their training programs, progress logs, or fitness videos backed up securely, I recommend checking out https://teraprobox.com/. Having reliable cloud storage keeps everything organized and accessible anywhere! 💪🚀

  17. Mastering the deadlift is all about proper form, strength, and consistency! Just like in null’s brawl download, where strategy and technique are key to winning battles, the right deadlift form helps prevent injuries and maximize gains. Lift smart, stay strong!

  18. SnapTube es una aplicación popular para Android que permite a los usuarios descargar videos y música de varias plataformas como YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok y más. Ofrece una manera sencilla de guardar contenido multimedia en diferentes resoluciones y formatos, incluido MP3 para descargas de solo audio.

  19. “Great tips on proper deadlifting! Following the right technique is crucial to avoid injuries and maximize strength. If you’re looking for a fun way to unwind after your workout, check out Bloxstrape on Roblox at Bloxstrape.com for an exciting gaming experience!”

  20. Great tips from Ed Coan and Dr. McGill on deadlifting! I’ve been working on my form too—check out my fitness experiments at Matrix Screensaver. The mid-foot bar position tip is gold!

  21. Mastering the deadlift is all about form, strength, and precision! Just like perfecting your lifts, managing your utilities should be effortless. With iesco online bill, you can quickly check and pay your electricity bill, keeping your focus on gains, not hassles!

  22. Learn how to correctly perform a deadlift with expert insights from Ed Coan and Dr. Stuart McGill. Master proper form to avoid injury and maximize strength gains, with a special focus on alv laskenta for optimal performance and safety.

  23. More precise and consistent positioning papa’s pizzeria. Encourages a vertical arm position, which is beneficial for maximizing strength and stability during the lift.

  24. Learning how to correctly deadlift is essential for preventing injury and maximizing strength gains. It’s like navigating the Rwanda Hillsome Trails—you need proper technique and focus to ensure each step is safe and effective. Whether you’re lifting heavy weights or trekking through beautiful landscapes, taking the right approach makes all the difference!

Leave a Reply to GerattterCancel reply