All Exercises

Barbell Band Assisted Deadlift

Master the barbell deadlift with band assistance. This exercise helps build strength and perfect form by providing support during the sticking point,

Advanced
Compound
Pull
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

This exercise involves lifting a barbell from the ground by hinging at the hips, while a resistance band aids the upward movement. The band should be looped under the feet and over the barbell before starting.

How to Do Barbell Band Assisted Deadlift

  1. 1
    Setup

    Position a barbell on the floor. Loop a strong resistance band under the middle of both feet and over the center of the barbell, ensuring even tension.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Stand with your mid-foot under the barbell, feet hip-width apart, and grip the bar with an overhand or mixed grip slightly wider than shoulder-width. Hinge at your hips and bend your knees until your shins touch the bar, keeping your back straight and chest up.

  3. 3

    Take a deep breath, brace your core, and initiate the lift by driving through your heels, extending your hips and knees simultaneously. Keep the barbell close to your body as you stand up, allowing the band to assist through the initial pull.

  4. 4

    Finish the movement by standing tall with glutes squeezed and shoulders pulled back, avoiding hyperextension of the lower back.

  5. 5

    To lower, hinge at your hips first, pushing your glutes back while maintaining a neutral spine, then allow the barbell to descend to the floor with control.

Tips

  • Focus on the hip hinge: Initiate the movement by pushing your hips back and maintain this hinge throughout the lift and descent to properly engage your glutes and hamstrings.
  • Keep the bar close: Imagine dragging the barbell up your shins and thighs on the ascent, and control its path closely on the descent to maintain leverage and protect your back.
  • Utilize band assistance wisely: Allow the band to help you accelerate through the "sticking point" (typically just below the knees) but focus on driving with your own strength, not just letting the band pull the weight up.
  • Brace your core: Before initiating each rep, take a deep belly breath and brace your abdominal muscles as if preparing for a punch to stabilize your spine.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Rounding the lower back: This often occurs when the hips rise too fast; keep your chest up and engage your lats to maintain a neutral spine throughout the lift.
  • ×Jerking the weight off the floor: Starting too explosively can lead to a loss of form; ensure a smooth, controlled pull by generating tension in your body before the bar leaves the ground.
  • ×Letting the bar drift away from the body: This increases leverage on your lower back; keep the barbell in contact with your legs as much as possible during both the ascent and descent.

Variations

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