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Barbell conventional deadlift

Barbell conventional deadlift: written movement steps, equipment and example doses. General information to help you choose an appropriate starting point.

By Shift Some Timber editorial team · Published · Updated 2 November 2026

Barbell conventional deadlift: approved canonical movement visual

How to do it

  1. Stand with bar over midfoot.
  2. Push through floor to stand with bar close. Avoid jerking the bar from floor. Hinge at the hips, then bend your knees as needed to return the bar to the floor under control.
  3. 2 sets × 5 reps; 75s rest between sets. Use light resistance or an easy supported setup. Practise the same controlled path on every repetition. Finish with at least 2 comfortable repetitions in reserve. Avoid jerking the bar from floor. Count one complete outward-and-return movement as one repetition; for alternating limbs, each individual limb action counts once.

Equipment

Example variations

The written steps above use one library example. These other doses are separate options, not instructions to complete every variation or progress automatically.

LevelExample doseEquipment
advanced2 sets × 5 reps; 75s rest between sets.full gym
advanced2 sets × 8 reps; 75s rest between sets.full gym
advanced3 sets × 8 reps; 90s rest between sets.full gym
advanced1 set × 8 reps.full gym

Safety and comfort

General movement information, not an individual exercise prescription. Independent trainer or clinical review is not claimed. Use appropriate support and seek individual advice for an injury or restriction.