Hyperextending or Leaning Back at Deadlift Lockout

At the top of the rep you lean backward past standing, arching hard through the lower back.

Why it happens

How to fix it

Finish standing tall, not leaning back

Lockout is hips and knees extended, glutes squeezed, ribs down. That is the whole requirement.

Cue "squeeze your glutes and stand tall"

The glutes finish the lift. The lower back should not be doing the last few degrees.

Keep your ribs down and abs braced through the top

Prevents the rib flare that turns into lumbar hyperextension.

Worth knowing: Repeated loaded hyperextension is a genuine way to irritate your lower back over time. This one is worth correcting even though it feels harmless.

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