Go old school for stronger deads and a bigger upper body with this classic move.

Named after 1947 Mr. America and 1950 Mr. Universe winner Steve Reeves, the Reeves deadlift has you grip the plates instead of a barbell. This challenges your traps and forearms and provides more range of motion in your hips and knees compared with a standard deadlift. Using light weight will also produce less joint stress.

Quick Tip: As you lift the weight, engage your core and make sure your hips don’t shoot up before liftoff.

SEE ALSO: Tips For A Stronger Deadlift

How To Do The Reeves Deadlift

  1. Load an Olympic bar with the appropriate amount of plates, ridged side facing out.
  2. Bend forward at the hips and knees. With a neutral spine, grasp the plates with your hands.
  3. Keeping your hips down, head up, chest out, and arms straight, lift the weight by forcefully extending your legs and hips.
  4. Reverse the motion to return to the start position and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
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