How to Deadlift | Form Check

The deadlift is a strength training staple — but are you sure you're even doing the exercise correctly?

For this basic gym necessity, you shouldn't settle for anything other than perfect form—especially because of the heavy weights you'll eventually be working to pull. Let Men's Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S. and associate fitness editor Brett Williams guide you through the exercise's subtleties, saving you from the bad habits that are keeping you from unlocking your fitness potential.

Before grabbing your barbell (or dumbbells or hexbar), take note that this it's extremely important to pay attention to the details here. You might think you need a lifting belt or straps to even step up to the bar, but as you'll soon learn, that's not the case. Forget the gear—just be ready to learn how to lift a ton of weight.