Exercise Instruction:
The deadlift is one of the best total body exercises for developing strength. It also has a tremendous degree of carry over to everyday activities. The suitcase deadlift is a variation that is easy to learn. Standing with feet shoulder width apart place one dumbbell just outside each foot. Keep your back flat or in a straight line from head to pelvis, squeeze the shoulder blades together and down and bend forward and grab the weights. Pick up the weights and initiate the ascent by squeezing the glutes together. This is where you want the initial power to come from. Straighten your legs to raise up. As the weight gets to knee level push the hips forward using the glutes. Finish in an erect posture. Lower the weight to the ground and repeat. If you feel a strain in the low back your technique is off and your back is most likely rounding or the weights are way to heavy.