Videos
Instructions
- Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width and toes slightly pointed out.
- Grip the barbell inside your knees with both hands using a pronated or mixed grip.
- Lower hips and keep chest up with spine neutral and shoulders directly over the bar.
- Drive through your heels and extend your hips and knees simultaneously to lift the bar.
- Lock out at the top by fully extending the hips and knees.
- Lower the bar with control back to the ground by reversing the movement.
Technical Tips
- Keep your back flat and core tight throughout the lift.
- Push your knees out during the ascent to track over your toes.
- Avoid letting the hips rise faster than the shoulders.
- Keep the bar close to your shins and thighs for optimal leverage.
- Engage the lats to stabilize the upper body.
Breathing Tips
- Inhale deeply into your abdomen before initiating the lift.
- Hold your breath through the initial pull (Valsalva maneuver).
- Exhale slowly at the top after lockout.
- Inhale again before lowering the bar for another rep.
Medical restrictions
- Lower back injuries
- Hip mobility limitations
- Knee joint disorders
- Herniated disc
Description
The sumo deadlift is a powerful compound exercise that targets the entire posterior chain while placing reduced stress on the lower back compared to the conventional deadlift. With a wide stance and vertical torso angle, the sumo variation emphasizes the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and adductors, making it a strategic choice for lifters seeking leg-dominant development. The upright posture also makes it a preferred option for individuals with limited hip mobility or those managing lower back discomfort. This exercise is highly effective for building lower body strength, improving hip power, and enhancing functional movement patterns. Commonly used in powerlifting and strength training routines, the sumo deadlift promotes joint stability, coordination, and core engagement. It's suitable for intermediate to advanced athletes aiming to increase pulling strength while diversifying their deadlift variations. Executed with proper form and progressive overload, the sumo deadlift delivers substantial gains in muscular strength and athletic performance.
What muscles do sumo deadlifts work the most?
Sumo deadlifts primarily target the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and lower back while also engaging the adductors and core stabilizers.
Is the sumo deadlift better for lower back pain?
Yes, the sumo deadlift places less shear force on the lumbar spine due to a more upright torso, making it a better option for individuals with lower back sensitivity.
How should I grip the bar for sumo deadlifts?
Use a grip inside your knees, either double overhand or mixed grip, and keep your arms vertical and close to your body for optimal leverage and control.
Can beginners perform the sumo deadlift?
While the sumo deadlift is typically recommended for intermediate lifters, beginners with proper coaching and mobility can learn the technique safely.
How does the sumo deadlift differ from the conventional deadlift?
The sumo deadlift uses a wider stance and more upright posture, shifting emphasis to the legs and hips, while the conventional deadlift targets more of the posterior chain and lower back.