"Big on the Basics Beyond": Deadlift with Richard Hawthorne

Animal supps: www.animalpak....
Animal gear: www.animalpak....
Animal articles: www.animalpak....
Apply to be an Animal Brand Ambassador: www.animalpak....
In this special "Beyond" installment of Animal's powerlifting tutorial series, "Big on the Basics", all-time world record-holder and Animal athlete Richard "The Ant" Hawthorne, breaks down the conventional deadlift in extreme detail. This is a master's class in the art of deadlifting, conducted by one of the strongest human beings, pound for pound, on the planet. The Ant won CAPO and he totaled 11.4 x his bodyweight. Take notes and watch your weights go through the roof.
To watch "Journey To CAPO" Chapter III: No Limits go here: • "Journey To CAPO" Chap...
To ask The Ant a question, go to: forum.animalpak...

[@barad-dur9236]

best fucking deadlift tutorial ive ever seen on the internet. wow. great job, richard.

[@anxiousmindmusic]

Best instructional lifting video I've seen yet. If anyone has seen videos of similar quality for other lifts, link them.

[@anxiousmindmusic]

Been subbed to him since the beginning. Highly recommended.

[@stephencafirma1116]

This is just top tier instruction. Dozens of S&C facilities would charge for this kind of coaching. Animal and The Ant are damn mighty kind for handing this knowledge out for free for all of us to learn from. Great vid 🙏🏾

[@Dev-zi6mk]

This is defn in my favourites....Started serious training 2 years ago, I'm 42 yrs old now and 183lbs and lean, been studying and putting into practice your master classes, I'm now pushing more than most of the guys in their 20's and 30's in my gym... I always preach 'form over weight... then the weight will come' ...... Would love to see u guys in London England... Very inspiring

[@keyhi3301]

The do not explode part is super interesting .. I always had this feeling and it is nice to see it confirmed by a top level athlete

[@EvilSecondTwin]

Easily one of the very best Deadlift tutorials that I've ever watched.

[@southernelitepl]

Thanks EvilsecondTwin, oh i dont like clowns and especially "IT" lol he's the reason why.

[@nustada]

How could someone not like this? Planet fitness employees? Best deadlift "how to" video I've seen.

[@dragonchr15]

nustada rippetoe fans? He preaches the bar touching the shins.

[@tnkmch]

@@dragonchr15 EXACTLY! Rip teaches as though everything he says is gospel truth

[@aurelienyonrac]

I love that you don't scream and yell at us. But instead talk calmly, like a walk in the park. Focused and relax. I love that your ego doesn't get into the way. Mastery is beautiful. Thank you my friend. So many good tips. I feel your soul is on camera. Take care.

[@JayRunsLONGBEACH]

This video was uploaded at the perfect time. I need to redo my deadlift form.

[@JayRunsLONGBEACH]

Thanks for the quality content. This is why Animal is one of my favorite teams.

[@PetrolDemon]

Animal please tell me you have one on sumo Dling :)

[@FuckExcuses]

Same here Jay. Animal, keep going with that great series. Thanks!

[@DantheHP]

Well this video is perfect to learn a good deadlift from if you are 5'3.5" and have a wingspan 12" greater than your height!

[@anxiousmindmusic]

DantheHP Still an incredible video, but he is a genetic freak.

[@The_Kirk_Lazarus]

After watching his amazing lift I can't help but shake with excitement for the information he's giving!

[@scrumpoxjnr]

Richard is strong as fuck, but I can't help but feel bits of this tutorial don't apply to the majority of viewers. He's 5'3 and has disproportionately long arms - so he can set himself up with near upright shins and still have a flat back without sinking his hips crazy low. At 6'1 there is no way I can do that... shit, my buddy who is 5'7 is having trouble doing that. So he's strong as fuck and its interesting to hear what he has to say - but the usefulness of this video is limited for a lot of people I think

[@Moose-nk3ec]

+Tom Bugler Funny you say that. I don't know how he does it, and I feel like deadlift shouldnt be that technical, but after I watched this it helped me alot with setup. I am 6'4 and only 231, but I went from a max of about 365 to pulling 495 in 4 months after this video making setup "click" for me. (I round my back a bit though)

[@Wayokab]

I have a similar body type to him and this video has opened my eyes. Going to try it this way from now on

[@lucskickweller3032]

I'm 5'11 with my bodyweight of 89kg (196 lbs) and my max is 495 after I put this into work. But their are days I cant pull that weight and have to stick with 465 for example.

[@apuuvah]

I'm 6" 1' and my reach is the same, but I think I could have my shins rather upright wih a straight back.

[@timfosho]

BY FAR the best deadlift video I have ever seen. This literally cleared up everything I ever wondered about the deadlift. Big ups to Richard. Ya'll got my subscription.

[@southernelitepl]

Thanks Tim glad we could do that for you

[@MacMacPherson]

the camera man needed to take 5 steps back in order to get the whole of Richard in the picture. He didn't. As a result Richard makes many great points the go completely unseen because the camera is way too close to see what he is talking about. Great pity. Excellent video completely spoiled.

[@johancederholm5074]

One of the best deadlift tutorials ive seen. richard is a great teacher :)

[@mihaileonte1737]

"Its a push not a pull" im really glad you said that, really makes you think about the whole lift in a different way

[@southernelitepl]

yep

[@jtimmer1969]

I've now been using the Hawthorne Deadlift for three weeks. I put the ego aside and went down 100lbs. It has paid off big time the new approach feels way better - for me less impinge - still catch myself pulling sometimes. Richard THANK YOU it is literally the beat lifting advice I have ever given. Looks like I'll pass my old weight in about 6 weeks.

[@batesjernigan1773]

This is the most thorough deadlifting video I've ever seen. I'm going to try doing this next deadlift day.

[@flamingwonky]

To everyone changing their form based on this video... Keep in mind Richard is 5'3". Your mileage will vary.

[@recon30994]

Real eye opener about the bar path, and the hips coming to meet the bar instead of using your back and dragging up your knees, PB'd today using using these tips!! Great tutorial!!! keep them coming :)

[@AScannerDarkly22]

My deadlift is starting to get heavy (for me at least) and form is something I've constantly got on my mind as the weight goes up, as I don't want to injure myself. This has come at the perfect time for me - thanks for uploading, this will be playing in my mind next time I lift.

[@southernelitepl]

form before strength

[@ovidioglopez]

Best dead lifting video ever. All the questions I've had were made clear. Looking forward to an equally comprehensive squat video.

[@w.c.dogside1204]

I never thought of the deadlift like a pushing movement. It's sort of a revelation and makes a lot of sense. Thanks Mr. Hawthorne!

[@hqnnes]

Very nice video i used to pull it with my back but now i fully understand the movement thank you

[@Vampunz]

I got Deadlifts tomorrow and these tips will definitely help me more. Thanks!

[@SHILLGATESCRYPTO]

REALLY like and respect this dude. He may just be the most badass powerlifter I've ever seen. Explanations were on point as well. Good shit...keep it up ANT.

[@jwsmalls45]

Been struggling with conventional for awhile...best deadlift instructional video I've seen...thanks!

[@anthonyluisi7096]

One of the best explanations of the mechanics of deadlifting form I have heard and seen in a long time

[@AmhraDutch]

My favorite Animal athlete giving tips on my favorite lift, doesn't get better then this the day before a 1rm attempt.

[@southernelitepl]

kill it

[@hydrocarbon2195]

best tutorial so far, watched loads but this one is unique, especially when he talked about applying pressure as soon as you hold the bar

[@Rickm951]

Love watching these, extremely helpful to hear the pros give tips, it's the little stuff that helps. So humble too.

[@sanidheykharbanda4]

This is easily in my top 3 youtube channels! thanks for the vids guys.

[@Wayokab]

I have a similar body type to you and you have helped me realise how i should actually be deadlifting

[@AetheriusLamia]

I think your instruction about pushing and bringing B to A&C will fix my form. Thank you and God bless!

[@jacquesbonhomme8198]

I usually experience some spinal pain in the lower back after the "normal" way of doing deadlifts. I just got back from the gym after trying this way on 400+ pounds and no pain at all. Thank you.

[@monsterdee1]

Easily the best deadlift video on youtube.

[@peteclarke]

Best video I have ever seen on deadlift! I got to meet Richard at the 2012 Arnold classic ABC at metro... we did squats together same bar weight but he was 1/2 my bodyweight! I can't wait to see you guys again this year at the Arnold CAGE!!!

[@peteclarke]

you guys are the BEST sup company out there because of your grass roots connection with your customers. so PUMPED to be in the cage again!

[@southernelitepl]

Round two Peter?

[@peteclarke]

Richard THE ANT Hawthorne Southern ELite Gym you know it Richard I can't wait to move some heavy iron with you guys its gonna be sick

[@remuko18]

Will use this video right before my deadlift day to see how i can compare myself with hes deadlift form and mine and look for improvements. Very well explained video!

[@kozmo7]

Just found this tutorial, this is fantastic. I worry too much about exploding and yes, I have torn ligaments and injuries from being too chaotic. There's a lot of great advice in here for all experience levels, he knows his stuff.

[@darkmauler9]

By far the best deadlift tutorial I have ever seen, thanks Richard.

[@southernelitepl]

thanks and no prob

[@jeremyhaynes4850]

This is definitely the best deadlift instructional video I have ever seen. Thanks.

[@southernelitepl]

thanks

[@3742baca]

I am lucky enough to have been trained by Richard...great video and very informative. Continued success to him.

[@CTHULHUCALL]

this is one of the best deadlift tutorials ive ever seen. great job ant

[@briannasdad05]

Very very informative...I can't wait til I do deads tonight. I will apply all these techniques. Thanks for the help.

[@Blades991]

Thanks for the great break down! I was having issues with my set up & after watching this vid I tried the tips provided & hit a 25lb PR! keep the great vids coming!

[@khanriza]

The Ant is a very appropriate name, considering they(ants) can carry 500% their body weight... correct me if I'm wrong.

[@bouldershoulders7753]

100x

[@dsakldlkada]

best video on DL on youtube

[@GabrielKravMaga]

Most AWESOME deadlift instructional video ever!!!

[@southernelitepl]

thanks

[@shaynebaca]

I am lucky enough to have been trained by Richard...great video and very informative. Continued success to him.

[@MAH-nj2vo]

That was probably the most informative video I've seen on deadlift technique in a long time. Really helpful stuff

[@jameshutchison5048]

Best deadlift information out there imo. Mine has been increasing 10lbs weekly since using his advice.

[@FamNice7]

Thank you soo much bro. These few subtle things make soo much of a difference.

[@charles3dart683]

The only deadlift video you ever need:)

[@king-mic4273]

The deadlift is not just a push, it's a push and a pull You literally have to push your feet through the floor metaphorically In order to initiate the deadlift and then pull back with your lats in order to lock out the deadlift

[@firstname565]

Best "helpful" video I've seen from Animal yet.

[@Spychu1993]

Once I did 400lbs deadlift (youcan find it on my channel, yeah baaad technique). Couple months later I did like 350 for reps and something popped in my back... The technique was pretty good I gues. Right now I am recovering, couple weeks off from deadlifting and then I'm doing what "The Ant" says!

[@southernelitepl]

take your time no rush

[@IvanKrappenchitz]

Honestly in my opinion this guy has the best advice on the big 3 man, awesome info, u and dan green are my fave power lifters, hope to fly out to the cage on day to meet u guys, thanks for the vid rich!

[@TinnonFamilyFarm]

The footies get you closer to the floor. learned this from high school powerlifting coach Perry Liles and also competed against guys from gulfport saint John that did this... Coffeeville Powerlifting 01' 02' Richard you are a beast though...

[@tomassadilek6698]

My most favorite powerlifter. Thanks for video.

[@bluetrain69]

Shins straight up! This is a game changer.

[@89clivic]

It never fails. Whenever I have a deadlift day some type of video comes along to get me going. Haha

[@ThatKid508]

learned a lot, gonna put it into practice next back day. thx Animal for all these all the great vids n thanks Richard for takin the time to show your technique man

[@southernelitepl]

Thanks and no prob

[@therealKerb]

This is such an amazing video, I am really at a loss for words. Thank you so much for sharing your technique with us Richard. I will definitely be incorporating this info my deadlift.

[@moedem]

Respect brother for taking time out to explain..power to you 🙏🏾😎

[@Valiaayyar]

Best deadlift video I've seen! Great comment about the push vs pull aspect..makes sense..and badass clip at the end

[@oscarvalenzuelasalgado2777]

Richard..muy bien explicada la mecánica del peso muerto, Felicidades ,heres un gran campeón , gracias por compartirnos tus valiosos conocimientos.. saludos desde sonora México ,te admiramos por ser un ejemplo como deportista.

[@DKnightJamaica]

This video just highlights for me how bad my current deadlift form is. I am making almost every mistake that he advises against. Couldn't have found this at a better time for my training.

[@checotigerlobitodad]

WOW!! Thanks for this video, by far best video on Deadlift 101! Thanks ANT!

[@charlitomaccabeez4891]

Ive been doing this way for a few months.I look forward to DL sessions now!I wanna show others .

[@jaredwood4432]

Awesome deadlift video! Cleared up so much of my problematic areas. Thank you!

[@amazingme1408]

the Best tutorial I have ever seen so simple. Natural flow. ez

[@conradhollander7299]

Great video! It explains the movement very well and gives great analogies and signaling.

[@jslocker1154]

Some of the smartest s*** I've ever seen. I enjoy the fine details of this video .your deadlift videos are awesome. look forward to watching this before my next deadlifting session. thanks for the information and the motivation

[@heavyliftingmanlet2418]

Wow this was a great video. Definitely gonna put these ideas to work next time I deadlift.

[@southernelitepl]

stick with it

[@jaayzen]

Amazing instructional! Best one of seen. Thanks for taking the time

[@bigtonutz]

thanks Richard H.

[@southernelitepl]

no prob

[@jamescyr286]

Hey Richard thanks a lot for doing this video. You are an inspiration.

[@JMBBproject]

Awesome video Animal. Never saw a better explained deadlift video!

[@mr501mc]

Best video I've seen so far. From a true beast and a great teacher!

[@w0rsel]

I love it when I hear the SS write-up for the DL repeated by awesome lifters... it confirms what we already knew was correct.

[@goodhomestv]

Excellent video.... Thanks

[@rjw147]

Keep in mind this deadlift form is for people with a similar body type as richard. The leverage he utilizes might not be optimal for opposite body types. Great vid, gonna give this movement a shot

[@charlitomaccabeez4891]

Great pointers and tips.

[@BlazterX]

Great video. Particularly like the way you explain using your body as a hinge. It is a difficult concept to grasp.

[@jacobtorres6553]

Eye opening video

[@tommygrip]

Special video - special man -much respect...

[@joeyp.8501]

This vid has helped me greatly improve my deadlift.

[@666ofdoom]

The Best toturial I seen so far!

[@5cent27]

Best deadlift video on earth.

[@MCCOMINATOR]

this might be the best video i've seen on the deadlift. going to try and hammer home the leg drive part. won;t stick in my head for some reason. maybe your take on it will get it in there

[@sbv5220]

I have never thought of washing my hands to remove all the nasty oils before a deadlift. Nice tip!

[@TheIntentionalGent]

Great video! Loved the tip about setting up with the butt a little higher. Going to try this out today - really want to hit 4 plates!

[@DavidLopez-vh9ob]

Damn that was just about the best deadlift video. Great info

[@joethebeast70]

I tried this technique today and it works way better than trying to pull on the weight.

[@egogoalie42]

Really good video, and there's a lot to take away from this. I'm skeptical, though, about his description of "explosiveness." There's definitely something to be said for moving moderately heavy (75-90%) fast, but all within the confines of good technique. I think it's important for everyone to realize that one method that works really well for one guy may not have a significant effect on another guy. Once you're lifting near your max weight, then the focus isn't so much on moving the bar as fast as possible. As Hawthorne said in the video, staying tight and driving through are the keys to making the lift.

[@sreid70]

Best video I've seen so far. Great. Thanks.

[@rickbush8623]

Amazing tutorial. Thanks for this.

[@kwidg87]

Man I would have paid to see it broken down like this. Great video.

[@mjoriley1268]

this is great; love this series animal. would be great to get a sumo version with mr. dan green if possible.

[@captainAUBS]

Animal What I need! Thank you!

[@RachaelStronger]

one of my favorite dead videos.. very informative

[@fitcop1650]

Awesome vid Richard. This has taught me a lot