How To Engage Your Lats When Doing A Deadlift

How to Engage Your Lats in the Deadlift

One of our WWLW Facebook Group members asked, “How can I engage my lats in the deadlift?”

I’ve seen many women at my gym struggle with this as well. The lats are the second biggest muscle group in the body, behind the glutes. Engaging your lats is critical for a strong deadlift and for helping protect your lower back.

Here are a few techniques and cues to help you visualize and engage your lats:

1. Squeeze Your Armpits
Think about closing off your armpits as if you’re trying to hold something in them. This simple cue can help activate your lats.

2. Tickle Defense
Imagine someone is about to tickle your armpits and you’re trying to prevent it. It might sound funny, but it’s an effective way to engage your lats.

Watch this video where I explain how to engage your lats during a deadlift.