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
- 1Setup
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.
- 2Setup
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
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
Finish the movement by standing tall with glutes squeezed and shoulders pulled back, avoiding hyperextension of the lower back.
- 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

Barbell Banded Sumo Deadlift
Boost glute and hamstring power with the Barbell Banded Sumo Deadlift. This variation combines a wide stance with band resistance for enhanced hip drive

Barbell Deadlift against Chains
The Barbell Deadlift against Chains builds strength and power. Chains increase resistance as you stand, challenging your lockout and grip.

Barbell Mixed grip Deadlift
Master the Barbell Mixed Grip Deadlift for superior posterior chain strength. This powerful lift builds glutes, hamstrings, and back.

Barbell Hook grip Deadlift
Master the barbell hook grip deadlift for superior grip strength and a powerful posterior chain. Learn proper form to lift heavy safely and effectively.
Related Exercises

Barbell Resistance Band Hip Thrust
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Barbell Hip Thrust with Resistance Band
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Barbell Complex Stiff Leg Deadlift Clean Step
Perform a dynamic barbell complex combining a stiff-leg deadlift with a powerful clean step.

Barbell Sumo Deadlift from Deficit
Perform a Barbell Sumo Deadlift from a deficit to increase range of motion, targeting glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.

Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press
The ultimate full-body dumbbell complex combining a push-up, row, clean, and overhead press in one flow.

Dumbbell Renegade Row to Squat
Build total-body strength with this demanding complex combining renegade rows and explosive squats.
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