http://AskTheTrainer.com/best-leg-exercises.html Personal Trainer Michael Behnken, MS, NASM-CPT-PES, CSCS The Dead Lift is an exercise that no fitness program should be with out. Forgot to mention the Lower and upper back are primary muscles along with the legs, and most of the rest of your body. EXCEPTION ALERT: If you have a previous back or knee condition it is advisable to only perform the dead lift with the advice of a professional. The form of the dead lift is the same for everybody. This is the standard dead lift with the arms on the outside of the legs. Your grip can be either overhand, or alternated with one hand facing towards you and the other facing away. Dead Lift Form Musts: 1. Keep your back in neutral alignment (no curving spine.) 2. Keep bar close to body 3. Keep arms completely straight. 4. Keep shoulders retracted and squeeze with glutes at top position. 5. Lower the bar the same way you lifted it, or drop it if you have a platform 6. Never perform more than 8-10 reps 7. NEVER perform repeated reps with bad form Dead lifts are also great for upper shoulders (traps) http://AskTheTrainer.com