Proper lifting techniques is a common ask from many patients and clients in the clinic. There is a lot of poor information that is given about proper lifting techniques along with increased fear that you may hurt your back. Generally speaking, to improve your lifting abilities, you need proper form AND strength to do so. Understanding your personal limits for lifting is advisable but it is also very reasonable to TRAIN your lifts in order to efficiently perform your everyday tasks. Below is a video I created that was demonstrating the difference between the squat and the deadlift to lift. The key to both lifts is the hip hinge… in order for your body to lower down, you need to get your bottom out of the way. The difference between the squat and the deadlift after the hip hinge is how much knee bend you are wanting to use. The squat is going to have more knee bend and the deadlift is going to have less knee bend. The squat uses more quad while the deadlift uses more glute and hamstring. As always, do not hold your breath during a lift (there are exceptions to this rule but we aren’t going to go into that today ;). Happy lifting!!