Deadlift

Free Weights: Yes Weight Machine: No

The deadlift is one of the most effective exercises for strengthening the lower back. To perform a deadlift, grasp a dead weight on the floor and while keeping the back straight and looking up, extend the erector spinae (primary lower back muscle). This exercise is a compound exercise that involves the tensing of all muscles of the back including the lattisimus dorsi and the trapezius. When performed correctly the role of the arms in the deadlift is only that of cables attaching the weight to the body, the musculature of the arms should not be used to lift the weight.