A deadlift bar is a metal bar that is built to hold weights on either end. The purpose of a deadlift bar is to enable a weight lifter to perform a deadlift, which is completed by grasping the bar with both hands and lifting it to about hip- or upper thigh-height. The arms are kept straight during the lift, and the exercise is meant to work the muscles of the back and legs. It is a popular exercise in weight lifting competitions because it is quite difficult to perform correctly, and it is often performed with significant amounts of weights attached to the bar.
Like other types of weight lifting bars, the deadlift bar is often made of steel alloy for strength. This means the bar itself is heavy, adding to the total weight the weight lifter will lift. The ends of the bar are a different size than the center of the bar where the lifter will grasp it. The ends are sized to accept weights, which are secured on the ends with collars to prevent the weights from shifting or falling off, which can easily lead to injury. The center of the bar where the lifter will grasp is often engraved with lines that cross each other tightly to enhance the lifter's ability to grip the bar.
Several variations of the deadlift bar have become common in gyms and fitness centers. The trap deadlift bar is diamond-shaped, and the lifter stands in the center of the diamond. Grips that are parallel to the side of the body are used to perform the lift, the position of which improves balance and stability during the lift. This design is a good choice for performing shrugs, in which the lifter will hold the bar with the arms straight, then shrug the shoulders repeatedly to work the shoulder and neck muscles.
Before performing a deadlift, it is necessary to load the bar with a significant amount of weight. This part of the process can be tiring itself, so the deadlift bar jack was developed to pick the bar up off the ground. This makes loading the weights onto the bar much easier, and the lifter can save his or her energy for the actual exercise rather than expend it on preparing the bar properly. Once the bar has been properly loaded, the jack can be pulled away and the exercise can be performed.