Deadlifts

I’ve heard people say deadlifting builds your entire back. Well i can understand the lower back and traps, but how does deadlifting give you big lats?

If you deadlift properly, you need to use your entire back to control the weight. Use heavy enough weight and you’ll definitely feel it (I always do).

I’m sure you’ll get plenty of better answers ahead.

The lats contract isometrically to prevent your arms from travelling forward away from your body. Without the lat contraction, you couldn’t keep the bar grazing your shins and thighs all the way up like you’re supposed to.