Sumo Deadlift Exercise
Builds strength and control by improving stability, coordination, and efficient movement.
Description
Sumo deadlift focuses on controlled movement and maintaining proper body alignment throughout the exercise. The goal is to create tension where needed while avoiding unnecessary strain or momentum. This helps improve movement quality, joint stability, and overall physical control.
Instructions:
- 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.
- 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.
- As the bar passes through the knees, lean back and drive the hips into the bar, pulling your shoulder blades together.
- Return the weight to the ground by bending at the hips and controlling the weight on the way down.
Exercise FAQ
Which muscles should feel like they’re doing most of the work?
You should feel the target muscles working while the rest of the body stays braced. If a joint or the lower back is doing the heavy lifting, reduce load and tighten your setup. Think of it as hip hinge done with repeatable, clean reps.
How should I program this in a workout?
Use it after your warm-up when you’re fresh. Aim for 2–4 sets and choose a rep range that matches your goal (strength: lower reps; muscle: moderate reps). Think of it as hip hinge done with repeatable, clean reps.
What should I do if I feel it in the wrong place?
Check your setup, slow down, and reduce weight. If discomfort is sharp or in a joint, stop and choose an easier variation.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or fitness advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine. Exercise safely and listen to your body.
Alternative exercises:
Floor Glute-Ham Raise
You can use a partner for this exercise or brace your feet under something stable. Begin on your knees with...
Stiff-Legged Barbell Deadlift
Grasp a bar using an overhand grip (palms facing down). You may need some wrist wraps if using a significan...
One-Arm Kettlebell Clean
Place a kettlebell between your feet. As you bend down to grab the kettlebell, push your butt back and keep...