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The Right Way to Do a Dumbbell Deadlift and Protect Your Back

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Photo Credit - Google

The dumbbell deadlift looks straightforward, but it requires precise form to get the benefits and protect your lower back. Done correctly, it strengthens your glutes, hamstrings, core, and muscles along the spine. Done poorly, it can lead to strain or injury. Experts agree: proper setup and technique are more important than lifting heavier weights.

Start with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs. Before you move, engage your core and lift your chest slightly while drawing your shoulders back. This keeps your spine in its natural curve and reduces unnecessary stress on your lower back.

Photo Credit – Google

The key movement is the hip hinge, not a squat. Push your hips backward while keeping your spine neutral, allowing the dumbbells to slide down along your legs. Your knees bend slightly, just enough to let the weights pass. Focus on moving from the hips rather than bending your lower back.

Keep your back neutral throughout the motion. Avoid rounding or over-arching your spine. Look forward or slightly downward to maintain neck alignment. This positioning stabilizes your spine and reduces the risk of injury.

Photo Credit – Google

Lower the dumbbells until you feel a comfortable stretch in your hamstrings while maintaining a neutral spine. Then, push through your heels and squeeze your glutes to return to standing. Keep the dumbbells close to your legs; letting them drift forward increases strain on your lower back.

Your arms should hold the dumbbells steady. The power comes from your hips and legs, not your arms. Think of your arms as hooks keeping the weights in place rather than doing the lifting.

Photo Credit – Google

Common mistakes include lifting too quickly, bending your knees too much, letting the dumbbells drift forward, and trying to use your back to lift. Focus on slow, controlled movements. Start with lighter weights to build muscle memory and ensure your form is correct before increasing load.

Protecting your back means maintaining alignment under load, hinging at the hips, and engaging your core and glutes, rather than trying to keep it perfectly straight. When done properly, the dumbbell deadlift is a safe and effective exercise that builds strength, flexibility, and overall stability.

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Delonyii Looks More Like a Contestant Than a Judge at the Miss One Nigeria Beauty Pageant

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Delonyii - Instagram

The Miss One Nigeria Beauty Pageant is a national beauty competition. The event brings together contestants from all across the country for the crown. Alongside a panel of judges monitoring the selection process. The event places priority on presentation, meaning everyone on stage, including the judges, are part of the overall visible presentation.

At this year’s edition of the pageant, Delonyii showed up as a judge, but her outfit matched the styling typically associated with that of the contestants. If you didn’t, know one would think she’s one of them. Delonyii’s outfit was different and well noticeable.

Delonyii – Instagram

She wore a silver, body-con mini gown with a heart-shaped neckline and a keyhole cutout at the bust. The dress hugged her frame delicately and well above the knee. Its surface was covered with silver sequins and crystals.

What made the dress different was the sheer, champagne-colored train attached to the back. While the front of the dress stayed short and fitted, the train extended to the floor, adding length to the overall design. Typically, this mix of a mini dress paired with a flowing train is often seen on contestants more than on judges. The off-the-shoulder sheer short sleeves added another visual layer, easing the look while keeping its structure intact.

Delonyii – Instagram

Her accessories stayed within a neutral colour range to match the outfit. She wore silver dangle earrings, simple bracelets on both wrists, strappy silver high-heeled sandals, and a delicate anklet on her right leg.

In a context where judges usually choose simple gowns or tailored outfits, Delonyii’s dressing aligned closely with what is worn by those competing on stage. The dress element made her look more like a contestant than a judge.

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Glute Workouts That Deliver Real Results

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Building stronger glutes goes far beyond appearance; it supports balance, power, and everyday movement. The routines gaining the most credibility among trainers right now prioritise clean form, controlled tempo, and muscle engagement. They work across the entire gluteal group, creating strength that shows and strength you can feel.

Strong glutes support the hips, lower back, and pelvis. When they’re undertrained, posture, gait, and stability suffer. Effective training relies on technique: slow, intentional movement and a full range of motion make every rep count.

Photo credit: Google

Hip thrusts remain one of the most effective ways to activate the glutes. With your upper back braced and your heels driving the movement, the lift at the top creates deep engagement across the muscles. It’s a staple for both strength and shape.

Bulgarian split squats isolate each side of the body and challenge balance. The lowered stance forces the outer glutes to work harder, helping to build structure and stability in a way regular squats often don’t address.

Photo credit: Google

Romanian deadlifts develop the entire posterior chain. A controlled hinge stretches the hamstrings and loads the glutes, with the return to standing powering the muscles through a strong extension.

Step-ups seem straightforward but are highly effective when executed deliberately. Driving upward through the heel keeps tension in the glutes from start to finish, strengthening movement patterns used daily.

Photo credit: Google

Glute bridges offer focused activation with a shorter range than hip thrusts. They work well as warm-ups or as final burnout sets, reinforcing the mind-muscle connection.

Consistent training ideally two to three sessions a week produces the most visible and functional results. Slower reps increase time under tension, while progressive resistance keeps the muscles adapting. Warm-up drills like lateral walks help activate the glutes before heavier work, and recovery remains essential for strength gains.

These exercises continue to stand out because they deliver reliable, measurable improvement. With the right pace and technique, the glutes become stronger, more defined, and better equipped to support the body through both workouts and daily life.

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‎When is the Right Time to Eat Protein Before or After Workout?

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Should you eat protein to fuel you up prior to your workout or eat it to refuel after? Let’s get real for a second – you’re probably eager with getting the most out of your workouts, and rightfully so! The timing of your protein intake is one of the most controversial things in the fitness world.

Casein Protein powder

Casein Protein powder

‎What You Should Know About Pre-Workout Protein Intake

‎There are a number of advantages of having protein before your workout. To begin with, it aids in boosting the production of muscle protein which is crucial in the development and repairing of muscle tissues.

‎Studies have shown that 20-30 grams of protein consumed 30-60 minutes before your exercise can aid in increasing muscle sizes as well as minimizing muscular injury. This is particularly a good thing to do when you are about to have an intense session of exercise or when you are involved in endurance exercises such as running to covers or cycling.

Whole grain bread and hard boiled egg

Whole grain bread and hard boiled egg

‎Some good pre-workout protein are:

‎- Nuts or fruit Greek Yogurt

‎- Chocolate – beet protein drinks with banana, spinach and almond milk

‎- Whole-grain bread and hard-boiled eggs

‎- Cottage cheese and berries and honey

‎What You Should Know About Post-Workout Protein

Protein shake

Protein shake

‎Refueling with protein after workout is where the magic happens. As you train your body, you put micro-tear in the muscle fibers. The rule in repairing and rebuilding those muscle fibers is to consume protein 30-60 minutes after your workout because this will make those fibers whole again and stronger and able to resist the impacts of another workout.

‎Try to consume 20-30 grams of protein during such a time frame.

‎Great alternatives includes:

‎- Whey protein, casein protein, or plant-based proteins such as pea or rice protein shakes.

‎- Grilled chicken breast, quinoa and streamed vegetables

‎- Turkey and avocado wrap and greens mix

‎- Protein bars (look at ones that have wholesome ingredients and have as little added sugar as possible)

‎When to Eat Protein

‎When then should one eat protein? The answer to this is…both! Eating protein during your pre and post-workout times exercise will enable you to get the best results in regard to being fit.

‎A Sample Protein-Timing plan:

‎- Pre-workout: 30-60 mins prior to exercising, consume 20-30 grams of protein to support your muscles.

‎- 30-60 minutes after your workout: have some additional 20-30 grams of protein, which will promote muscle repair and development.

Turkey, avocado and green mix

Turkey, avocado and green mix

‎Protein timing is not an exact science and each nutritional needs of different persons varies. Experiment with various protein sources and timing to figure out what works best with your body.

‎Keep in mind that all you need to do is to monitor your body and supply it with the nutrients it requires so that it becomes fit.

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