“The Worst Deadlift Ever”: Gymgoer’s Deadlift Form Leaves Bodybuilding Community Baffled and Concerned

Out of the countless exercises and their variations, the squat, bench press, and deadlift are known as the big three. Deadlifts are arguably the most common among these because you don’t need a bench or squat rack to perform them. While getting the form right might be challenging, gymgoer Andrew Davenport has now shocked the bodybuilding community with his deadlift form.

Earlier, the powerlifter uploaded a video on his Instagram page where he attempted a 460 lbs deadlift. While he successfully lifted the weight, bodybuilding enthusiasts were shocked to see Davenport break every rule in the deadlift book and do things that fitness trainers would definitely not recommend.

Why it’s important to get a deadlift right

Although massively popular and considered a universal test of raw strength, the deadlift is easily one of the riskiest exercises. While it’s easy to do because a bar and weights are all you need, getting it right is imperative for safety. One of the key factors in getting a deadlift right is spinal and core stability. One risks severe injury to the spine if they round it, as Davenport did.

The deadlift targets the back, traps, hamstring, and core. However, it strains the lower back slightly, even when performed correctly. World’s Strongest Man winners, like Eddie Hall, Hafthor Bjornsson, and others, approach the exercise with respect. Retired strongman Robert Oberst said in 2019 that he doesn’t even train deadlifts because “the risk-to-reward ratio is a joke”.

Even lifting relatively lighter weights without a correct form might result in an injury down the line. A similar situation was seen with Davenport. While his form was wrong, according to many, he seemed proud and wrote, “I died today ‘460lbs’. And don’t underestimate skinny people.” 

However, the bodybuilding community seemed baffled by his deadlift and expressed major concern about it.

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Fitness community responds with a tinge of sarcasm

One Instagram user thought that Davenport’s was the worst lift he had witnessed. “In all my years on Insta, I think I have finally found the worst deadlift ever,” wrote the netizen. “Can’t believe he did a deadlift without using any muscles,” commented another user. “Ego can make a man do insane things,” wrote one bodybuilding enthusiast.

“Not a single person telling bro,” wrote one concerned Instagram user. The netizen seemed baffled that other people cheered and embraced Davenport instead of correcting his form. Meanwhile, others resorted to sarcasm. “Perfect form, couldn’t have been better than that,” wrote one fitness enthusiast.

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While the deadlift might look like nothing more than lifting something heavy off the ground, there is much more to it. The bodybuilding community’s reaction to Davenport’s lift is a warning to many looking to engage in the exercise technique.