How To Deadlift like a Bodybuilder | Back Workout

[@mountaindog1]

The Back Training Manual - Mountain Dog Diet mountaindogdiet.com/products/the-back-training-manual/

[@nutrizionista_fcelso]

hi John, what brand are those orange deadlift bends/grips?

[@guilhermeramos1590]

intensamente agradecido

[@sonshawnzy9975]

My back can’t seem to handle deadlifts , even with proper from and technique . Any suggestions for alt exercises

[@central5358]

Deadlift like a bodybuilder: Step 1 . Scream YEAAHHHH BUDDDAY!! LIGHTWEIGHT BABY

[@NuvoVision]

RIP John.... I cant believe we lost you:( We are all better people because of you. Prayers sent to your family🙏 thank you for everything Mountian Dog.

[@NanniniVanGestel]

Oh what happened? I just started watching his vids :(

[@NuvoVision]

@@NanniniVanGestel he passed away in his sleep from a pulmonary embolism.

[@raiden6607]

@@NuvoVision but he posted 19hrs ago?

[@NuvoVision]

@@raiden6607 His family is running his channel now....they posted about it a few weeks ago.

[@ypmm53]

Amen! Well said. RIP JM..

[@davidperezgonzalez1839]

This guy looks like Luke Skywalker with muscles. Nice video

[@mountaindog1]

Han Swollo

[@firstnamelastname9390]

Luke Swollwalker

[@jam34786]

Huge-bacca

[@drmzw]

More like Tony Hawk

[@SomethingCool51]

Luke Skyweightlifter

[@real_patWiFi]

I still watch John's videos till this day. So much good info. RIP to this legend..

[@centurionstrengthandfitnes3694]

T-Nation reader, here. Appreciating your KZbin content a lot, bro. Legit, ego-free, honest advice from a real gym vet. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@mountaindog1]

thank you!

[@gregtanner3161]

Still the best most humble man on youtube. RIP

[@Sirgromulus]

As an old fart of 60 who hasn't really followed the bodybuilding scene for several years, I have to admit I never heard of John until last year. I really enjoy his videos, he is straight and to the point and does a great job explaining and illustrating the movements. Never being a great dead-lifter (mostly because of my terrible grip strength), I discovered rack pulls last year and have really noticed a benefit in both strength and lower back development since doing them. Thanks John and keep up the great work!

[@mountaindog1]

Thank you!

[@Sirgromulus]

@@mountaindog1: I had to revisit this video. I was never a very good deadlifter - and back in the 80's none of us bodybuilders at the local World's Gym I trained at did them. I always felt I was neglecting my back development by not doing deadlifts. After watching this video I have started to incorporate rack pulls in my routine and I must say after several months I have noticed a difference in both my lat width and thickness. If an old fart of 60 can see results I think anyone can! Thanks much John!

[@marlin-cy1od]

you need to beat your sausage more to build your forarm strength

[@jamesmorris858]

@@marlin-cy1od forearm*

[@MrBradyNoahsDad]

RIP to a true legend, I will continue watching all of your videos to learn everything I can from you and to honor your knowledge and approach to bodybuilding as a whole. Never forgotten!!!!

[@johnmoore358]

Gone but not forgotten 🥇🇬🇧

[@jjmill5209]

This guy is the best explainer in lifting, I love how he casually explains without the stupid music intro, without yelling in my ear or saying baahhhbell or standing there with no shirt on looking like a tool, so much easier to absorb the information from John

[@danoneill8214]

Love looking back on all your vids John. Nicest man you could ever meet.. special man ..

[@cyriszx]

Been following John Meadows for years , still haven't found more indept technical bodybuilder than him . Guy know his lifts and what is best for muscle growth .

[@mountaindog1]

thank you!

[@chriskubond6314]

Those rack pulls have really transformed my back and have helped out my deadlift like crazy. Game changer

[@3LL1C1T]

RIP John! Thank you for all the knowledge and informative videos you shared to the world of bodybuilding and powerlifting, but also being an great person to everyone around you. Legends never die!

[@andrewcoates4952]

I love seeing the complete difference between when you first started and then when you finished by the amount of pump

[@matthewblumenthal804]

The little form tips you put in with the exercises are just invaluable to me. I can't thank you enough. I just had a knee replacement and my rehab progress is boggling the PT folks. A lot of that is because I've been watching and using your videos to build all the muscles not only in my little skinny legs, but the rest of my body. I am used to the pain of working and watching my form. Your videos are a huge contributor to that and I want you to know it. So, thanks again. I really appreciate what you do.

[@mountaindog1]

awesome, thank you very much for letting me know, continued success!

[@Dansodai4001]

Video released on my birthday, and today is back day. You're the man, John.

[@mountaindog1]

Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!

[@Dansodai4001]

mountaindog1 thank you!

[@mikelike3877]

Dang RIP I just started watching his videos past couple weeks thank you for all the knowledge God bless your soul brother

[@junkyard-p1s]

I'm 65. I acquired a 1970's old school deadlift bar on eBay recently.( Not the common stop sign hexagon one) And I bought a landmine set up .This video was helpful so you preform the exercise right, so you don't injure yourself. All your videos are good! Thanks! And glad to see your doing well after the heart attack. Your amazing!! Stay strong!

[@justpain2998]

Thank you for everything again John R.I.P.

[@mreous333]

MD, I started rack pulls about 6 weeks ago after watching another one of your videos. Mostly to thicken my traps, but also strengthen lower back, and work the overall top portion of the deadlift. Along with heavy smith machine or barbell shrugs superset with behind the back shrugs, cable face pulls, and a standing cable crossover upward row that I have been testing for traps, my traps have thickened vertically and outwards really fast. I love rack pulls! Thank you for sharing your workout tips!

[@mountaindog1]

awesome!!!

[@stevencattani2697]

I cant tell you how much I appreciate this video. I have a love hate relationship with deadlifts and am always looking to get better at the exercise. This was incredibly helpful!

[@marvmorales1584]

I been deadlifting like this for 2 months now, love it feel it in the entire upper middle back over conventional which feels just in my legs

[@julianbomers]

Thankyou for everything John ❤️

[@mikemcniel3086]

Rack pulls are superb over full deads for back work Also Dorian Yates did a rack pull variation during his DL lifts. He never let the weights hit the floor during his reps. constant tension on the back

[@_MrTV]

Great info, love hearing the difference between bodybuilding vs power lifting

[@lukemoloney1113]

Another homerun here John. Thanks for sharing this stuff mate. The rack pulls and your incline lat rows at the end have gone straight into one of my back workouts.

[@matmcbean1605]

Your tips for dead lifting and pulling back with your elbows at the top of the movement is amazing. I got such a good pump from this thank you so much

[@chadbreedlove5457]

I just wanted to let you know, I tried this back workout today for my back workout, I loved it. I really enjoyed doing those rack pulls. You weren't kidding when you feel it in your lats a lot more. I am pretty pumped and sore.

[@mountaindog1]

awesome!

[@mckenna1976]

whoever thumbs down videos like this are bell ends! This is a great video with some fresh ideas on deadlifting keep them coming, old skywalker!

[@ThunderbackOG]

I love this guy. Having fun with your workout while going heavy AF and teaching a class for KZbin. Leaves with a HEFTY PUMP. Legend.

[@umbertovella6499]

As I said, pure gold. This is what Bodybuilding - namely building your body - is all about, to take advantage of mechanical tension performing heavy solid compounds, in the smartest way possible. And I feel like this is the smartest way, as well as safest in the long term, to take the most out of the deadlift. Someone may say that this variation will neglect hamstrings, I would kindly answer, go ahead and perform your RDLs on your leg day. These are those little tweaks that once implemented convert the effectiveness of a compound lift in an amazing back - and let me say glutes - builder, far more than pull ups or rows.

[@teddavisjr3355]

Thank you. I’m a personal trainer and me and my clients are older. No one really wants the width in their back. They want to work middle and lower back. I get it. I love hyperextensions however

[@lajuanjohnsonbtc9634]

I didn't even know there was a difference between powerlifting & bodybuilding deads. Can't wait to try this

[@godsbeast.69]

Absolutely Awesome. I felt every contraction within My entire back, rear traps delts lumbar rhomboids as you were going through this workout.! I could see the tension & stress on your back just lowering the barbell, really thickening & stressing the tissues. Your Definitely born for back day.! Forget “rare as Gold dust.” This Channel is Platinum Dust. Let’s Hit 400k subscriber’s come summer time. 👍👍👍

[@dreaminglifepodcast]

Wow what a refreshing look at deadlifts and rows. Having gone from bro lifts to powerlifting style big 3, this is exactly what I'll be incorporating now to keep it going. My back my weakest link and will appreciate this information.

[@mikehogan5087]

High volume is the best for back growth

[@Donnegro1]

Rack pulls always felt better to me than deadlifts! Now I understand why thanks to this video! Great work John!

[@jasong2541]

Really diggin adding more weight and moving the pins up on the rack pulls. I'm always pulling from around 2" below the knee. Imagine you could really overload the upper traps. Also, I'll usually throw a heavy 2-3 rep max set in at the top. Should I stick with my 5 rep sets and add a bit more weight for the working sets and drop the 2-3 rep heavy set? I definitely don't take the powerlifting approach, always more controlled/slower reps. Usually go this route: -warm-up set/135lbs -10 time under tension reps (6 sec/rep) -warm-up set/225lbs- 10 time under tension reps (6 sec/rep) - 3X working sets/315 lbs- 5 controlled reps - Heavy set/ 365-375 lbs- 3 rep max *** Depending how I'm feeling, sometimes work my way back down to the 225lb warm up set*** Any input is appreciated!

[@Murkafella]

That's a solid back workout! The rack pull is a must do!

[@markbalogh9655]

I love that he uses science and anatomy for results. Work smart

[@dustin6528]

This was one of his better instructional videos and that’s saying a lot

[@tdc720]

Glad I found your channel. Always loaded with solid info. Keep'em coming.

[@alanfleck4588]

POBABLY THE BEST VIDEO ABOUT THIS TOPIC, EVER!!! Thnx Mr. Meadow

[@bulldogvillan]

John, I learn a lot from your videos. Your channel is greatly underappreciated. I wish this info was as accessible when I was just starting lifting some 20 years ago. I think your channel has the most comprehensive info regarding lifting on KZbin, and you're always so humble. Great video as always.

[@AmorFati777X]

The youtube algorithm actually did a thing right this time. I have chronic low back pain that I've just gotten under control after a year and a half. I was going to start doing higher rack pulls to develop my back since a rows and deadlifts flare it up.

[@Verdad2024]

Best coach on KZbin!!!

[@otismilo1qaz]

Thanks very much for these videos. The production quality of your content is perfect. I also like the balance you have created between talk and do. As a lifter who is starting to get older I really appreciate the tips you have provided for reducing injuries. I also like the variation in exercises and plan to implement many of them.

[@mountaindog1]

thank you very much!

[@mwgallotte1]

Thanks John Meadows for the awesome and free content. You have the best demonstrative workout videos on KZbin, hands down.

[@Pumpestok]

His intro always make me smile. "Heeey guys" Sad that he's not with us anymore. ❤

[@stefprota1966]

Epic workout!

[@roberthaller3516]

Fantastic John fantastic love your videos Robert Haller 1 12 2020

[@nickmcgarvey6463]

Been pulling from a deficit, I like the idea of following up with rack pulls like this.

[@jiris.2628]

How anyone could dislike this vid?? Not understanding...

[@danzimage1095]

Just finished the work. Added the back finisher from eugene. All I can say is thank you! I've done rack pulls before with similar lat activation but not from varying pin placement. Absolutely killer.

[@sflanagan514]

I’ve been doing Ben Pollack’s Powerbuilding routine for awhile! Now I gotta add these rack pull to the plan for a thicker back! Thank you!💪😃💥

[@conceptsoftruth1286]

You are truly a teacher from Delts to now back Im a better bodybuilder, thank you💪 PS keep up the great work you are doing.

[@paulkirk9289]

Mountain Dog you're strong as an ox. I remember seeing a video of yours a while back training at Elite FTS with Dave Tate doing a supported T-bar row finisher that blew my mind. I thought I was training hard, but I was wrong. y'all inspire me to hold nothing back and train with every ounce of intensity I have but also to train smart and intelligent in order to avoid injury. Thanks for another helpful video. Rack pulls are key to a thick dense back and wide developed lats.

[@mountaindog1]

Thank you Paul!

[@rearlatspread39]

John I think that rack pulls are more optimal than deadlifts for back hypertrophy.

[@mountaindog1]

i agree

[@Hoop639]

Charan Anbalagan Charan I think rack pulls are overrated for hypertrophy. The stimulus to fatigue ratio is fucking terrible. Wrecks your whole body and the ROM is ass. But some people get some big ass back and traps from it 🤷‍♂️

[@wakeupamerica5971]

AestheticNutrition&Fitness probably boils down to the ‘mind muscle connection’, I know my upperish back gives at about the same time as my erectors, but a gym buddy of mine has his lower back give long before he says he feels any other muscle Edit: i always use a band around the pull up bar and do iso pull overs, trying to flex every muscle group before I dive into pulls, about 2 or three sets. That made a big difference for me as well

[@douglasschrift4453]

AestheticNutrition&Fitness agreed, while certainly people can build their back with it, I think It’s a poor choice in general. To get any meaningful stimulus from them you have to go much heavier than deadlifts and it’s hard to recover from that. In fact I think doing deficit deads or snatch grip deads would be a much better option as you greatly increase the ROM and it’s not nearly as fatiguing. Having said all that, IF you’re gonna do rack pulls, don’t do them above the knee. John is doing them correctly in my opinion

[@stephanreichelt1960]

@@mountaindog1 Yates advocates them also.I prefer to do them after a few pulling movements so my upper back is pre-exhausted

[@southpawje]

Love your vid's JM, but this one my hats off to the mature lady bench pressing in the background, "you go girl", props

[@samirmahmood4285]

Watching this video again made me felt like I just done a back workout with John meadows. You may be not here physically but spiritually you always will be having a positive affect on our lives you will be always loved and missed and may God give you the highest mountain in heaven 🙏

[@danzimage1095]

Hitting this tomorrow and can't wait. I stumbled upon your channel a few weeks ago and I am so glad I did. The knowledge you and eugene(introduced to him by you) have given has been beyound helpful. Gonna comment how it went once I finish. Keep up the great work!!

[@mikeramgopal3912]

Another great vid John. Totally agree with your form on rack pull deadlift done with bodybuilding in mind. I have a slight tweak though. Firstly I go slightly wider grip to increase tension across the lats. Secondly in order to keep tension on the back I make sure there is no clanking/rattling on the rack as I touch down. It takes more control but really increases the intensity.

[@mountaindog1]

good stuff

[@andylin7841]

finally, detailed explanation of an exercise that serves for bodybuilding; where last time Dave showed how to row for powerlifting squat. Looking forward for more of these!

[@luismartins6995]

Nothing beats experience, Thx 💪 sir, greetings from Portugal 🇵🇹 🇵🇹 🇵🇹 🇵🇹

[@danhowdle9508]

Another great video, John. I always feel like I learn more watching your content than anyone else. It had honestly never even occurred to me to use rack pulls to target lats, but when I see your form it makes complete sense. Will definitely be adding this to my back days. Thanks again.

[@keithdrummond1003]

This is the video I've been waiting for on deadlifts. Thanks.

[@mikebb1000]

Once again Mountain Dog gives me inspiration and a great workout. Love and miss you John RIP Brother 💪💪

[@Mr_Travel_88]

I just started watching you’re videos, they are amazing and so helpful. Really appreciate you doing these thank you from the UK

[@hawk1548]

Awesome video Look like your calves were gettn some of that weight 2. Keep takin us 2 school 💪

[@mountaindog1]

Thank you!

[@burtbakerack1110]

I like the overhead signs. “I’ll take some thighs with a side order of chest, please”.

[@dominickloka9758]

Great vid! That's the first time I have watched something as detailed about the differences between powerlifting deadlifts VS. bodybuilding pulls. I am already doing snatch-grip pulls (not always, but enough to benefit from it without any overuse issue) to get more quads and general back mass & strength. & since I train at home and can't afford to drop the weight on the floor, I have to lower all my deadlifts in control & this probably explains why I still got some hypertrophy even from conventional pulls. Yes, 2 x 5 reps at 4 plates is plenty! I am a very anxious person and tend to do too many heavy sets. E. g. I will often feel that I "need" to do a straight 5 x 5 with 405 lb (this is 74% of my PR) whithout even considering just ramping up to 405 x 5 and 440 x 5 (something like that) and then see what happens. You learn so much about yourself when you lift for several years! It looks like we are pretty much the same generation; would you be surprised if I told you I got the idea of getting bigger and stronger when I was watching pro wrestling in the 1980's? I wanted to be like Mr Perfect! lol

[@slymm619]

First time watching mountain dog. I like the info explained behind each workout. Great stuff here!

[@mountaindog1]

thank you!

[@finaplexEOD]

I've been needing a video to futher explain this exercise. I mean, I know how to perform but was really looking for a professional's take on it. Thank you for the upload!!!

[@gabrielburgoskim3403]

13:07 John you scared the hell out of me! hhahahah great content as always!!!

[@Bullitt1768]

Gabriel Burgos Kim Battle yell

[@johnnydio5803]

Great channel, John. Every lesson i learn something new. Judas Priest in the background is nice soundtrack. Blessings from Dublin.

[@Bullitt1768]

17 mins of greatness

[@vladtepes6690]

Thank you again John, i always learn from each video you do, your an inspiration and a gentleman.

[@mountaindog1]

Thank you!

[@grimcross9055]

Great workout I will implement some of this in my routine to get bigger lats

[@adamelliott2492]

Dude. You have so many back workout videos! I'm starting with this one, taking notes. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I really appreciate how you explain the "why" as well as demonstrate the "how" for each exercise. I feel like I learn best this way.

[@adamortner7172]

Great video! Liked the neutral pull down skipping the stretch...I will try that way!

[@AD-xu7ww]

You are just amazing John, I absolutely am so grateful for your expertise that you share with everyone 🙏🤗

[@mountaindog1]

:)

[@CaptainAmerica-xl7gp]

Thanks John you're the best tomorrow I'm working my back and I'll all these exercise thanks again for the help

[@TheScatman89]

Im gonna try this workout next back day! - ive been wanting to incorporate deadlifts into my back training but, dont want to lift for my ego.. just train my back. Cant wait to try this. Did a variation of the deadlifts last time i trained back, based on one of your other videos and it worked great, later in the workout, felt it directly in my lats and legs aswell, cause they were pre exhausted.

[@michaelgutierrez4769]

Great knowledge. I’m still soaking all his wisdom. Rest in Glory. I really wish I had a chance to meet ya,

[@Jag.]

i really like your videos. The way you explain looks so sincere to me.

[@mountaindog1]

thank you

[@anymouse6202]

Thanks, this is just what I was looking for.

[@JoesFitness101]

Thanks John for the vid...I did that workout today and feel my back nice and good sore. I came in 2nd in a bodybuilding comp having lack of back width and depth, lack of hamstrings & conditioning. Next comp is in March 16th 2019 14 week out...going to kill it

[@adamt995]

Hey man how are things looking now?

[@carloslamelas6433]

Great stuff man. You always upload tons of great content, and I have been learning from your videos as well. I love deadlifts but they're a little too hard on my spinal erectus/lumbar section, probably bc I'm not executing them properly, but here's this video of you teaching us how to rack pull. Man I gotta say tumbs up. Love the leg workouts also. Keep it up.

[@scottw3954]

Great video. Love working my back! Rack pulls are brutal!!

[@fredgrech1498]

Hi john I'm loving your chanel you put so much time to explain I feel like I'm with a personal trainer thank you

[@hamishmcewan1176]

Coincidentally I’ve been watching a lot of vids of westside and Tate’s channel lately. The stories are great. Plus this is fantastic advice, I really wanted to know how to fit this into my back workout. Thank you.

[@MP-mz7un]

I remember doing this deadlift variation 2 years ago. My lats have not been that sore my whole life!!

[@GaryPanttila]

Ive learned so much from you because of your videos. Id give anyhing to come out and train with you for 3 days. I really need help with my during workout and post work out drinks. Thanks for the great video

[@nsa26]

Thank you for continuing to provide excellent content! I have incorporated several of your techniques and seeing results.

[@FutureSiteDesign]

Looking forward to this workout. Thank you!

[@maddisonjoyce2551]

loved this! One of your best videos John. Thank you so much for sharing. I love rack pulls and once I learned how to engage my lats properly there’s not a whole lot that compares!!

[@BigredGT-pm5lm]

Great back trip aiming video!, 💪💪💪

[@ChrisPang05]

this is a crazy wealth of information. I need to really start taking notes!

[@marcuswedman]

Great stuff John. Just one thing. For me (an introvert :)) who’s feet point inward it doesn’t feel good to point toes out during deadlift. It hurts the knees a bit. Straight forward feels better. Thank you for your great channel.

[@mountaindog1]

thank you!