| Hey there, Weightlifting may look easy compared to sports like golf, soccer, or gymnastics, but it’s far more technical than most people realize. For example, skillfully performing the barbell squat, deadlift, and even the bench press requires more balance, coordination, and timing than meets the eye. One of my favorite ways to learn and groove in proper form is with weightlifting cues, which are simple reminders that help you focus on a key aspect of your technique. Sometimes cues seem obvious, trivial, or even silly, but when used properly, they can boost your strength, fix form problems, and reduce the risk of injury. Here are three of my favorite cues for the deadlifting: 1. “Crush oranges in your armpits.” Imagine there are oranges wedged under each of your armpits, and you’re trying to squeeze every ounce of juice out of them. This will accomplish a few things: - It'll get the bar over your midfoot, which allows for an explosive and balanced ascent.
- It'll put your shoulders in the right starting position, which increases strength and consistency rep to rep.
- It'll prevent upper-back rounding, which reduces the likelihood of lower-back rounding.
2. “Push your butt back.” When your feet are in position, you've grabbed the bar, and you're ready to sink into the starting position, think about pushing your butt backward, not "down." This will do two things: - It'll help flatten your back, which increases strength and reduces the risk of injury.
- It'll ensure your hips aren't too high or low before you pull, which also increases strength and reduces the risk of injury.
3. “Drag the bar up your legs.” A common deadlifting mistake is letting the bar drift away from the shins on the way up, which wastes energy and increases the likelihood of lower-back rounding. By keeping the bar in contact with your legs at all times, however, you reduce the distance the bar has to travel and make it easier to maintain a neutral spine. Want to learn more tips like these for gaining muscle and strength faster? Check out one of my bestselling fitness books. For men trying to gain their first 25 pounds of muscle or get to 10 to 15% body fat: ⇒ https://legionathletics.com/products/books/bigger-leaner-stronger/ For women trying to gain their first 15 pounds of muscle or get to 20 to 25% body fat: ⇒ https://legionathletics.com/products/books/thinner-leaner-stronger/ For advanced lifters trying to reach their genetic potential for muscle and strength: ⇒ https://legionathletics.com/products/books/beyond-bigger-leaner-stronger/ These books have helped tens of thousands of people of all ages and circumstances build their best bodies ever, and you could be next. Go for it! Mike | 
