Most people are aware of the phase “bend your knees and keep your back straight” to lift…… unfortunately this frequently gets misinterpreted as “keep your back VERTICAL”…….. which not only feels awkward but will also make you less stable and therefore at risk of injury.

The correct technique is to bend your knees and stick your bum out….just like an Olympic weight lifter. Your back will be “straight” but at a 45 degree angle. This method throws most of the weight to be lifted onto the legs where the large, bulky knee muscles are designed to handle the weight. Keep in mind that Olympic Weight Lifters scarcely get bad backs…..they get bad knees!