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Are deadlifts really the super exercise?

I would say so - only because they work so many muscle groups and help with so many functions in the human body.

But not only that, there also other benefits of the movements that make it such a super exercise:

You'll get stronger

An article by MOJ Yoga and Physical Therapy, in 2018 talked about the benefits of doing bench press, squats, and deadlifts on overall health and strength. It ended by saying one of the physiological responses of performing the deadlift is that one would be able to develop better sports performance, power, and whole-bod strength.

When this movement is compared to other movements that place just as much strain on the muscles, one sees that the deadlift does in fact allow one to lift a great deal of weight. one will get stronger in the hip-hinging position, and make other neurological strength adaptations that have some carry-over to other compound movements that will be performed such as barbell squats or bench press.

You'll be more athletic

A study done in 2011 has shown that there is a link between core strength and enhanced athleticism in events such as the T-test, vertical jump, forty yard dash, and medicine ball throw.

Another study done in 2018 reports that deadlifts may be beneficial for horizontal based movements that require jumping and sprinting because the deadlift is applied to perpendicular plane to the body but is loaded in a horizontal plane.

More endurance

Even though deadlifts are associated with conditioning and strength, one can increase cardiovascular and muscular endurance by increasing the amount of sets and reps done and by decreasing the amount of rest taken between sets. Because deadlifts tax so many muscles, one will find themselves tired after a couple high-rep sets.

Better grip strength

To do the deadlift, one will need high levels of grip strength to keep ahold of the weights during the movement. Because you'll be holding on to heavy weights, for a specified number of reps, you will quickly improve grip strength, something that will have significant carryover in other movements. Research has shown that grip strength is a solid biomarker for finding adults who are at risk of health problems in the future.

Stronger core

When the deadlift is performed, one relies quite heavily on the core for stability and to lift the weight from the ground. The core also braces quite a bit to maintain rigidness in the spine. By actively bracing the core, it will become stronger for other movements such as single-leg deadlifts, overhead press, and bench press. The core is responsible for ease movement, meaning that having a stronger core will have carryover in other things done.

Anabolic gone crazy

Because of the fact that deadlifts put stress on and recruit so many muscles, doing so results in the release of anabolic hormones such as Human growth hormone and testosterone. Having higher levels of HGH and testosterone can have a number of benefits including improved libido, more muscle, strength, and energy.

Burn more calories

The movement (deadlift) works quite a few muscles in the body, allowing one to burn more calories. The more calories burnt, the more weight lost. Deadlifts also help build muscles and increase the basal metabolic rate (the number of calories burnt at rest). A study done by the European Journal of Clinical Nurtrition in 2014 stated that on average resistance training results in a 5 percent increase in individual's metabolism.

Your back will be stronger

As we grow older, it becomes more and more important to have a strong lower back. Many individuals get lower back pain due to their core being weak, sitting at a desk all day, or from being overweight. By having deadlifts being a part of their workout routine, one is able to reduce lower back pain and effectively reducing the chance of it being an issue in the future. When you actually do the deadlift make sure that your lower back is neutral during the entirety of the movement. When the back rounds (if you aren't a high level powerlifter and this isn't a part of your technique) you increase the chances of injuring yourself during the movement.

It has been indicated that training the deadlift can help reduce disability and pain in patients who have lower back pain.

Deadlifts are considered a functional movement, meaning they can help one with a number of everyday activities. This reduces the chance of one injuring themselves when they are doing things such as changing tires, moving furniture, or carrying groceries. Since you are getting a full body workout, you're strengthening your muscles and reducing muscular imbalances since you're working both the lower and upper body.

Your legs will get stronger

The deadlift places large focus on the lower body including the hamstrings, glutes, and quads, which results in a person having dense and strong legs. Adding the deadlift to a training plan helps push leg strength to a higher level. a study actually found that individuals who performed the deadlift 2x per week improved their rapid torque capacities in the knee flexors and extensor, effectively improving their vertical jump.

Full body muscle activation

Many people know that the deadlift works the lower part of the body out, but another benefit is that they touch the upper part as well. The deadlift engages the lower back and the upper back because these muscles help support the torso as the weight is pulled off the floor. The biceps are strained a bit as they provide support to the arms when the pull is performed, and the shoulder help keep the arms in place.

You'll stand up straight (better posture)

Deadlifts have a positive effect on posture by keeping the hips, shoulders, and spine aligned. Because deadlifts need proper form, one will have to keep their shoulders back, hips mobile, and spine straight. By combining said factors one will see an improvement in their posture. Improving the posture is important as not doing so can result in back pain.