November 28, 2013
#FitnessFacts: DEADLIFTS
-There are 2 exercises that arguably burn the most calories & can give muscles the most size: squats & deadlifts. For this reason, many of the fitness benefits of the 2 exercises are similar.
-The deadlift is a compound exercise that incorporates a large amount of muscles groups, primarily in the hamstrings, back, glutes, and arms.
-Deadlifts are one of the best exercises to strengthen and correct body posture, especially in the spine. For this reason it’s a great cure for some types of lower back pain.
-Core contractions that occur during deadlifts are more beneficial than the traditional crunch.
-Deadlifts trigger the release of muscle-building & fat-burning hormones, such as HGH and testosterone, which can be beneficial to both men & women.
-Deadlifts are one of the best exercises for women to help fight cellulite in the hamstrings & glutes.
-Deadlifts also strengthen the pelvic floor muscles (these are the muscles that control ejaculation & orgasm for men, & are way more effective than Kegel exercises, ladies)!
-The 3 most common deadlift mistakes are rounding the spine, extending the torso too far forward, & not pushing into the heels of the feet.
-There are many versions of deadlifts, & each has different benefits. Here are some examples:
- Conventional deadlifts focus on the glutes, hamstrings, & lower back.
- Single-leg deadlifts challenge stability, build balance between the 2 legs, & majorly work the glute muscles.
- Romanian (aka stiff legged) deadlifts build flexibility in the hamstrings & lower back, as well as strengthen these muscles.
- Sumo deadlifts focus on the inner thighs, glutes, & lower back.