Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
That gorgeous arch women naturally have in their backs needs to step out of the spotlight during a deadlift...
What often happens when we deadlift - the low back arches a little harder, the ribs flare forward, and then the pelvis starts to drop. It looks like a hip hinge. It produces the shape of a hip hinge. But the spine moved first, which means the lumbar erectors - the muscles running alongside your vertebrae - are the prime movers of the pattern, not your glutes and hamstrings. No thank you.
Remember that your nervous system will always try to find the path of least resistance - and in the case of many exercises, that path runs straight through the low back.
This is why I harp on about form so much. Weight lifting that gets results and avoids injury requires master form. Think of it like dance - choreography is not designed to be fumbled through, it is designed to be precise and graceful.
Lament below about all your deadlift quandaries - I have a Part 2 coming soon.
**P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help you:
Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife. drstephanieestima.com/newsletter
Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. drstephanie.ca/lift
That gorgeous arch women naturally have in their backs needs to step out of the spotlight during a deadlift...
What often happens when we deadlift - the low back arches a little harder, the ribs flare forward, and then the pelvis starts to drop. It looks like a hip hinge. It produces the shape of a hip hinge. But the spine moved first, which means the lumbar erectors - the muscles running alongside your vertebrae - are the prime movers of the pattern, not your glutes and hamstrings. No thank you.
Remember that your nervous system will always try to find the path of least resistance - and in the case of many exercises, that path runs straight through the low back.
This is why I harp on about form so much. Weight lifting that gets results and avoids injury requires master form. Think of it like dance - choreography is not designed to be fumbled through, it is designed to be precise and graceful.
Lament below about all your deadlift quandaries - I have a Part 2 coming soon.
**P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help you:
Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife. drstephanieestima.com/newsletter
Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. drstephanie.ca/lift
