Essay Sample on Deadlift

The deadlift is the exercise that engages the most muscles in the body more than any other lift. “How To Sumo Deadlift: The Definitive Guide” is an informative tutorial video from the respected channel on YouTube, Calgary Barbell. Bryce Krawczyk is a powerlifting coach and an achieved competition lifter. He is the instructor in this tutorial. The overall tutorial is remarkable. It is structured meticulously to explain and demonstrate each step of the sumo deadlift. The video goes into great detail and is made simple for any audience to conceptualize. The production and post-production of the video are also other factors that add value to this educational video.

The structure and organization of the video enable the audience to easily grasp each component of the movement. Bryce Krawczyk simplifies the sumo deadlift into four beginning steps and two phases of locking out the lift. The four steps to begin the lift the tutorial puts, in essence, is the set-up, grip, bracing your trunk, and pulling the slack out of the bar. The first phase of locking out the deadlift is the push off the floor. In transition from phase one, the last phase is to finish through hip extension. What the structure of this tutorial does for the audience is ensuring them a set path to a successful deadlift. A structured, sequential tutorial helps the viewers comprehend the main key points of the deadlift. Having the tutorial structured will also help when the viewers are applying the lessons taught because they will think of deadlifting as a checklist of making sure they have the most optimal form. 

In addition to compartmentalizing the sumo deadlift, the tutorial goes into specific detail about each component.  Bryce Krawczyk explains powerlifting and common technique terms so that beginner to intermediate lifters can apprehend each step. When Bryce introduces the setup to the sumo deadlift, he goes into detail about how everyone has different leverages; meaning some people may have shorter or longer arms and legs so it will vary on comfortability and finding your most beneficial stance width. “Bracing your trunk” is an unfamiliar term to beginners. The tutorial gives information on bracing properly since it is one of the most important aspects of the sumo deadlift. Bryce explains it as drawing your ribs in, taking a deep breath, and then pinching your armpits shut to then pull the bar to your shins just before pushing off the floor. Going into detail benefits the viewers because it minimizes the window of error for lifters beginning the sumo deadlift. However, the extensive detail and information the tutorial provides could be overwhelming to some viewers. Cognitive load defines working memory as limited and can be overwhelmed. Novices may miss critical information to the deadlift when there is an overflow of detail. Nonetheless, the tutorial’s demographic is made for a range of lifters so it balances the proper amount of content.

One of the most important aspects of a beneficial tutorial is how the person giving instructions delivers the message. The script, pacing, and tone are facets that make the delivery of a tutorial easy for the audience to receive. Bryce Krawczyk’s delivery of the content engages the audience and produces a likable video. The tutorials script talks about all the main points and intricate details of each section of the sumo deadlift. Bryce is not turning on the camera and speaking freely from the back of his mind in one take. He does a great job articulating the script. This is important to the viewers’ experience and quality of the video because a well-written script gives the right amount of attention to each component of the sumo deadlift. Additionally to having a great script, Bryce Krawczyk gives the script its value through his pacing and tone. Bryce paces his thoughts and flows from one idea to another fluidly when giving instructions. This allows the viewers to pay attention at a normal pace. The audience does not have to rewind parts of the video to grasp what he is saying or to skip ahead because what they feel is being said is delivered slow and is unimportant. Bryce’s tone in the tutorial shows he cares about what he is teaching. He speaks in an engaged and conversational tone. This adds to the viewers’ experience because when they hear his tone, they will be engaged more than if Bryce spoke monotonously.

The production and post-production value of the tutorial is well executed but it does have some unnecessary editing. The tutorial is filmed with good lighting, a clear microphone, and a DSLR camera. It is also filmed at multiple camera angles when Bryce demonstrates technique. Different camera perspectives show the viewers proper form. The edit of the video has appealing transitions which makes a continuous and smooth video. However, in some scenes when it cuts to the next one it has a smooth swipe transition but it has an unnecessary, distracting sound under it. What could make audio layers in post-production more appreciated is to bring down the volume. The editing of the video has a quiet and upbeat instrumental laying under the entirety of the video. This adds substance to the video and prevents it from sounding flat. All the technical aspects of the production and editing of this tutorial constitute the attraction of the video. High production value is both critical to the creator and audience because it attracts more viewership and captures the audience’s attention.

Altogether, the tutorial from Calgary Barbell is one of the best informative content on any media platform. It nets in strong components of an effective tutorial. The tutorial included organization, major details, and proper demonstration. Bryce Krawczyk educates novice and intermediate lifters to a complex movement in a manageable manner. With a few enhancements to its production and writing, the tutorial could have been a masterclass. The tutorial’s overall purpose of enlightening its audience to a fundamental lift that strengthens the entire body is delivered well.