Westside Barbell: Deadlift Secrets

» Westside Barbell: Deadlift Secrets



On the third anniversary of his passing, we’re carrying on Louie Simmons’ unstoppable legacy by sharing this upscaled version of his classic Deadlift Secrets VHS tape. Although the footage dates back several years (2003), it’s filled with timeless insights that remain cornerstones of the Westside Barbell approach.

Ready to see how Westside went from pulling in the low 600s to producing multiple 800+ deadlifters (and countless 700+)? In this revised seminar, Louie Simmons explains how speed pulls, max effort lifts, band and chain work, and targeted accessory exercises (reverse hypers, good mornings, glute-ham raises, etc.) supercharge strength while reducing injury risk. Whether you pull sumo or conventional, Louie’s proven Conjugate Method will help you hit that next PR!

TIMESTAMPS
0:00:19 – Introduction & Modern Westside Deadlift Updates
0:01:05 – Speed Deadlift Demonstration (Bands, Percentages, Set/Rep Protocol)
0:06:00 – Rack Pulls & Band Applications
0:07:33 – “Lightning Method” Reverse-Band Deadlifts
0:12:00 – Max Effort Strategies (Good Mornings, Squats, Specialty Bars)
0:21:00 – Reverse Hyper & Supplemental Exercises
0:30:00 – Zercher Squats, Glute-Ham Raises, & Band Curls
0:45:00 – Grip Work (Hex Dumbbells, Finger Training, Machine Grips)
0:50:00 – Deadlift Technique (Sumo vs. Conventional Tips)
0:51:00 – Structuring Your Weekly Conjugate Deadlift Program

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

Speed Work: Use submaximal weights (40–60% of 1RM) with high velocity for 6–10 singles immediately after speed squats.

Max Effort Day: Rotate exercises (rack pulls, reverse-band pulls, good mornings) and work up to a 1–3 rep max.

Accessory Movements: Prioritize posterior chain work (glute-ham raises, reverse hypers), hip strength (banded walks, Zercher squats), and core/lat engagement.

Grip Training: Focus on finger strength (hex dumbbell holds, Rolling Thunder, pinch grips) to enhance overall pulling capacity.

Technique: For sumo, drive feet outward and pull back. For conventional, pull yourself into position, keep your back locked, and drive hips through.

Like this video if you’re ready to boost your deadlift numbers.
Comment below with your biggest deadlift PR or goal.

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Take these principles under the bar and watch your deadlift soar to new heights.

#WestsideBarbell #DeadliftSecrets #LouieSimmons #ConjugateMethod #SpeedPulls #MaxEffort #Powerlifting #StrengthTraining #ReverseHyper #GluteHamRaise #GripTraining #SumoDeadlift

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