USA Powerlifting of Minnesota

What is the deadlift?

The deadlift is something that does not look very complex to anyone who is not familiar with Powerlifting. However the lift plays a unique role in the testing overall body strength, and is final lift in a Powerlifting contest. When the deadlift comes in a contest its the final chance for athletes to win the contest, or to better their previous personal records (otherwise known as PR's). Its the last chance for a lifter to build on their total to determine placing. Big risks are taken during this part of the contest. One perfect lift can make all the difference in how a Powerlifter places, or it can be that one wrong move that means losing the contest.

The deadlift is the test of lower back, glutes and grip strength by lifting the bar from the ground till the erect position. What makes it challenging is that the lift is really starting from a 'dead' position giving the athlete almost no way of gaining a momentum to start the lift. This factor is what makes the lift most challenging. In Minnesota we literally have the best in the world at this event. Below is examples of the Deadlift.

Brad Gillingham (multi IPF World Champion, Worlds Masters Deadlift record holder and holder of all Super heavyweight MN State Records deadlift's 881 at the Arnold Sports Festival in 2009). More about Brad Gillingham can be found at at www.jackalsgym.com

Fawn Friday joined Powerlifting just a few years ago and is already competing at the highest levels of our sport. From the Arnold Sports Classic, to Nationals to the Hudson Open where she deadlifted 315 lbs setting a state record. Above is her completing 305 lbs in training. More about Fawn Friday can be found at www.fawnfriday.com

Learn about the Bench and Squat