Sumo deadlift

The sumo deadlift is a compound movement in which the feet are set in a wide stance with toes pointed out and grip is placed inside of the legs. It is allowed to be performed instead of conventional deadlifts in most powerlifting competitions. The sumo deadlift targets the hamstrings, glutes, and upper back/traps, but also has a greater emphasis on stretching and strengthening the adductor and hip muscles due to the wide stance.

Benefits

  1. Builds overall strength, power, and size
  2. Many find it easier on the lower back than the conventional deadlift
  3. Strengthens the hips and requires a greater degree of mobility
  4. Same full-body strength benefits as conventional deadlift
9.3
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Sumo deadlift Images

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Sumo deadlift Instructions

Sumo deadlift muscle diagram
  1. Begin with a bar loaded on the ground. Approach the bar so that the bar intersects the middle of the feet. The feet should be set very wide, near the collars. Bend at the hips to grip the bar. The arms should be directly below the shoulders, inside the legs, and you can use a pronated grip, a mixed grip, or hook grip. Relax the shoulders, which in effect lengthens your arms.
  2. Take a breath, and then lower your hips, looking forward with your head with your chest up. Drive through the floor, spreading your feet apart, with your weight on the back half of your feet. Extend through the hips and knees.
  3. As the bar passes through the knees, lean back and drive the hips into the bar, pulling your shoulder blades together.
  4. Return the weight to the ground by bending at the hips and controlling the weight on the way down.

Alternative Exercises for Sumo deadlift

Zercher squat thumbnail image Zercher squat thumbnail image

Zercher squat

Muscle Targeted: Quadriceps
Equipment Type: Barbell
8.1
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Sumo Deadlift with Chains thumbnail image Sumo Deadlift with Chains thumbnail image

Sumo Deadlift with Chains

Muscle Targeted: Hamstrings
Equipment Type: Barbell
7.8
Average