Many athletes and coaches debate the most efficient deadlift techniques and training methods. This is great and should be highly encouraged! Yet, sometimes in the pursuit of knowledge, the most basic fundamentals of what many consider “the king” of all exercises is overlooked. Bill Kazmaier, arguably the strongest man of all-time, had some very prophetic words about the deadlift. The great Kaz said, “Commit to the pull.” Among traditional barbell lifts, the deadlift is the ultimate test of mental toughness and testicular fortitude. Technique is essential to mastering this exercise, but in no other lifts does aggressiveness and internal rage aid an athlete as much as in the deadlift. Committing to the pull means walking up to the bar and knowing that the lift is complete. You have made a decision that you won't drop the weight, come hell or high water. Heavy deadlifts hurt, but that's OK! As you pick up the weight and you get to that point where something feels like it's about to break, you pull through. You do this because you've made a commitment to the barbell! Once you make the lift, it's pleasure, not pain, that makes up your personal paradigm. Pain is missing the lift and failing in your commitment to the barbell. Temporary discomfort will never match the pain of permanent cowardice in the deadlift. Remember, you have committed to the pull and that's more than half the battle. I have alligator arms and small hands. Therefore, my body type is not conducive to being even a mediocre deadlifter. All the same, last year I had the biggest deadlift in the state of Texas (in all weight classes and raw or equipped). Moreover, it was performed raw. Aside from my training system, I credit my success in the deadlift to making a decision to commit to the pull.
Watch Michael Pyon Commit to the pull as he trains in 109 degree weather at Metroflex Gym and pulls a 25 pound PR.
“The Colonel” Brian Dobson, attacks a 650 deadlift at 53 years of age, watch Brian commit to the pull!