Huge news! Chip talks about our upcoming documentary on the history of physical culture over at his blog: http://physicalsubculture.com/2009/12/31/the-history-of-fitness-project/

The combat sports community has made great strides in regards to embracing the world of "functional" training, and shedding the ineffective shackles of bodybuilding-style training. In that transition, though, the value of training for strength has become neglected. It is almost as though an aversion to basic, practical weight training has been cultivated in pursuit of ultimate functionality.

The deadlift. One of the central "slow lifts" and a mainstay in powerlifting and strongman competitions. You're probably already familiar with this movement, but we're going to break it down in a little more detail, pointing out some common mistakes, and get you pulling more than you ever imagined.

The deadlift varies from most other movements in that it begins concentrically - that is, you pull the weight "dead" from the ground, without creating a stretch reflex by passing through the eccentric (or negative) portion of the movement, thus it's popularity as a brute strength movement.

It is one of the most taxing lifts, recruiting multiple muscle groups and putting a high level of stress on the central nervous system. Due to its difficulty and impact on the body, the deadlift is an essential part of everyone's program - regardless of goals. You can't get big without getting strong, and the deadlift will make you very, very strong. It has a number of uses, variations and modifications, but we will begin today with the basic barbell deadlift.

Chip Conrad is the owner and head trainer of Bodytribe, a Sacramento-based gym specializing in progressive, full-spectrum fitness. He has been active in the strength and conditioning world for over 15 years and has trained with such Physical Culture luminaries as the late Dr. Mel Siff, Dan John, Tommy Kono, Dave Tate, amongst others. He regularly blogs at his own website www.physicalsubculture.com and has written articles for www.wannabebig.com, www.elitefts.com and more. His book, Lift With Your Head and DVD Strength Rituals are available on his website or at Amazon.com . He is currently filming for his next DVD entitled Brutal Recess.