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.

The issue of writing on fitness for combat sports is a complex one: I could wow you with cutting edge techniques, boggle your mind with science and biomechanics, champion lost methods of yore, or just latch on to the current fad.

It’s easy to say “Well, this works for my team,” or “He’s the champ, so his method is obviously the best.” That doesn’t necessarily translate into success for you, the reader, though. Unfortunately, if you or me had the genetic predisposition to be “The Champ” you’d probably already be there.