Top 11 Deadlift Variations For Every Fitness Level To Boost Your Strength

Take your pulls to the next level with these deadlift variations to supercharge your muscle development, prevent plateaus, and elevate your fitness.

man doing barbell exercises-02

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Deadlift variations offer unique benefits and provide an excellent opportunity to boost your strength, develop key muscle groups, and take your fitness journey to new heights, irrespective of whether you are a newbie or a seasoned pro.

The conventional deadlift is a powerhouse exercise that can enhance strength and fitness.

As one of the fundamental movements in strength training, the conventional deadlift has rightfully earned its place as a staple in workout routines.

However, did you know that several deadlift variations can help target different muscles and challenge exercisers of all fitness levels?

We will explore the top deadlift variations for beginners, intermediate lifters, and experienced athletes.

man doing deadlifts - example deadlift variations

We’ll delve into the proper form for each exercise, the muscle groups they engage, and the recommended sets and reps based on your fitness goals.

Whether you’re looking to build muscle, enhance endurance, or improve functional strength, this article has you covered.

What are Deadlift Variations?

Deadlift variations refer to a range of exercises that stem from the conventional deadlift but involve modifications in grip, stance, or movement patterns.

These types of deadlifts target different muscle groups and movement mechanics, offering unique challenges and benefits.

By incorporating deadlift variations into a strength training regimen, exercisers can enhance muscle development, address specific weaknesses, prevent plateaus, and improve functional strength for a more well-rounded and effective workout regimen.

Benefits of deadlift variations and why do them

A well-rounded strength training program should incorporate deadlift variations for several compelling reasons.

You can maximize your strength gains, reduce the risk of imbalances or plateaus, and achieve a well-rounded and robust physique by intelligently incorporating deadlift variations into your training regimen.

Muscle development

Different deadlift variations target various muscles.
While conventional deadlifts mainly work the posterior chain, other variations can engage other muscles, like the quads, adductors, and stabilizers.
Incorporating a variety of deadlift variations into your training regimen ensures more comprehensive muscle development.

Preventing plateaus

Plateaus can occur when your body adapts to a specific exercise, leading to slower progress.
Introducing deadlift variations challenges your muscles in new ways, stimulating growth and strength gains.

Specific strength development

Each deadlift variation may target different muscles.
For example, the snatch grip deadlift emphasizes grip strength and upper back development, while deficit deadlifts focus on increasing the range of motion and targeting the glutes and hamstrings.

Functional strength

Deadlifts are functional compound movements that mimic everyday actions like lifting objects from the floor.
Deadlift variations enhance your ability to handle real-life physical challenges.

Injury prevention

By targeting various muscles and movement patterns, deadlift variations contribute to better muscular balance, reducing the risk of overuse injuries.

Individual limitations

Not everyone’s body mechanics are suited to a conventional deadlift stance. Variations like the Sumo Deadlift offer an alternative position that may be more comfortable for some individuals.

man doing barbell exercises-01

Athletic performance

The increased strength and power gained from deadlift variations can enhance athletic performance in various sports, such as sprinting, jumping, and throwing.

Progressive overload

Deadlift variations allow you to manipulate variables like weights, sets, and reps to practice progressive overload. That is essential for continued strength and muscle gains.

Addressing weak points

Variations can help identify weak points in your deadlifts
For example, athletes who struggle with lockout strength can benefit from rack pull deadlifts.

Reduced boredom

Incorporating different deadlift variations adds variety to your workouts, making training more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.

By intelligently incorporating deadlift variations into your training routine, you can maximize your strength gains, reduce the risk of imbalances or plateaus, and achieve a well-rounded and robust physique.

Must-Try Deadlift Variations for different fitness levels that can help build explosive strength and muscle

The following are some of the best deadlift variations for different fitness levels to consider for your training regimen.

Conventional Deadlifts

strength training exercises - conventional deadlifts - best barbell back exercises

Conventional deadlifts are the traditional and most commonly performed deadlift variation.

Suitability: Beginners
Target Muscles:
Primary Muscles: Erector spinae, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, quadriceps, and core
Secondary Muscles: Trapezius, rhomboids, latissimus dorsi, grip muscles, and calves.

It involves the lifter standing with their feet at approximately shoulder-width and grasping the barbell with both hands just outside their legs.
The movement involves lifting the barbell from the floor and getting to a standing position by extending the hips and knees.

Conventional deadlifts are highly effective compound exercises that engage multiple muscles, making them a staple in many strength training and powerlifting programs.

Sumo Deadlift

The name comes from the sumo-wrestler-like stance the lifter takes when performing the sumo deadlift variations. Here are the key differences that set the Sumo Deadlift apart from other deadlift variations, such as the Conventional Deadlift:

Suitability: Intermediate (it requires some understanding of hip mechanics)
Target muscles:
Primary muscles: Adductors, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, quadriceps, and core.
Secondary muscles: Erector spinae, lats, grip muscles, and calves.

What makes Sumo deadlifts different

Sumo deadlifts differ from other variations due to the stance and grip width.

  • Stance
    In the Sumo Deadlift variations, the lifter stands with their feet much wider than shoulder-width apart with toes turned out at around 45 degrees.
    The wide stance allows the lifter to position themselves between the barbell, bringing their hips closer to the bar before the lift.
  • Grip
    The grip used in the Sumo Deadlift is inside the lifter’s legs, with the hands gripping the barbell.
    That contrasts with the Conventional Deadlift, where the grip is outside the legs.
  • Hand position
    The Sum deadlift variations involve the lifter’s hands positioned inside their knees.
    The hand position reduces the range of motion and can benefit lifters with mobility restrictions or longer limbs.
  • Torso position
    The lifter’s torso is more upright in the Sumo Deadlift due to the wide stance and hand position.
    Conventional deadlifts have a more forward-leaning position.

Romanian Deadlift (RDL)

best hamstring exercises and deadlift variations - barbell romanian deadlift

Suitability: Beginner-friendly with lighter weights
Primary muscles: Hamstrings, gluteus maximus, erector spinae, and core.
Secondary muscles: Trapezius, rhomboids, lats, grip muscles, and calves.

What makes Romanian deadlifts different

The Romanian Deadlift emphasizes the posterior chain, especially the hamstrings and glutes.

It involves a more controlled and focused movement pattern than the conventional deadlift, which starts from the floor and requires a more explosive lift to a fully upright position.

  • Movement pattern
    In the Romanian deadlift variations, the lifter begins by lifting the barbell from the floor to an upright position. However, the lifter does not return the barbell to the ground between repetitions.
    Instead, they perform multiple repetitions by hinging at the hips while keeping the knees relatively straight.
    The focus is on lowering the weight down the legs, stretching the hamstrings, and returning to a fully upright position.
  • Knee Flexion
    The lifter maintains a slight bend in the knees throughout the movement.
    However, the lifter’s knees are not significantly flexed or bent as in the conventional deadlift variations.
  • Range of motion
    The range of motion in the Romanian deadlift is much smaller because the lifter does not return the barbell to the floor between repetitions.
    The exerciser lowers the weight until they feel a stretch in their hamstrings and return to an upright position.
  • Muscle emphasis
    Romanian deadlifts target the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
    They are some of the best deadlift variations for strengthening the posterior chain.
  • Purpose
    The Romanian deadlift is excellent for targeting the hamstrings and glutes while working on hip hinge mechanics.
    You can use the exercises to improve hamstring flexibility and strength in the posterior chain.

Deficit Deadlift

Suitability: Intermediate. The deadlift variations may not suit beginners due to the increased range of motion and demands on form.
Target muscles:
Primary muscles: Erector spinae, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, quadriceps, and core
Secondary muscles: Trapezius, rhomboids, lats, grip muscles, and calves.

What makes Deficit Deadlifts different

Deficit Deadlifts differ from conventional deadlifts and other deadlift variations due to the addition of an elevated platform or deficit.

In Deficit Deadlifts, the lifter stands on a raised platform, such as weight plates or a small box, which elevates their starting position.

The higher position of the exerciser creates an increased range of motion for the lift.

They are some of the best deadlift variations for strength athletes, powerlifters, and exercisers looking to improve their deadlift technique, strength, and general lower body development.

  • Elevation
    The most significant difference in Deficit Deadlift is the presence of an elevated platform.
    The lifter lowers their starting position relative to the barbell on the floor by standing on the platform.
    That results in an increased range of motion for the lift.
  • Range of motion
    The lifter must lift the barbell through a greater distance because of the lower starting position of the barbell.
  • Muscle emphasis
    Deficit Deadlifts target the same muscle groups as conventional deadlifts but emphasize some muscles to a greater extent.
    The increased range of motion stresses the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back much more than other deadlift variations.
  • Strength and mobility
    Deficit Deadlifts can help improve strength and mobility, particularly in the initial phase of the lift when you lift the bar from a lower position.
    It can be a valuable training tool for exercisers who struggle with the initial pull off the ground in conventional deadlifts.
  • Hamstring flexibility
    The deeper starting position requires greater hamstring flexibility. As a result, regularly performing the deadlift variations can help improve hamstring mobility over time.
  • Technique challenge
    Maintaining proper form and technique is crucial because of the increased range of motion.
    The lifter must maintain a neutral spine and engage the posterior chain muscles effectively to perform the lift safely and efficiently.

Rack Pull Deadlift

Suitability: Intermediate level
Target muscles:
Primary muscles: Upper back, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and core.
Secondary muscles: Erector spinae, quadriceps, grip muscles, and calves.

What makes Rack Pull Deadlifts different

In Rack Pull Deadlifts, the lifter performs the lift from an elevated position, usually by setting up the barbell on safety pins or in a power rack. That creates a shorter range of motion for the lift, making it distinct from other deadlift variations.

Lifting from a higher position allows exercisers to lift heavy to build strength and power. Thus, they are some of the best deadlift variations for powerlifters and strength athletes looking to strengthen specific parts of their deadlift or improve their lockout strength.

  • Starting Position
    The most significant difference in Rack Pull Deadlifts is the elevated starting position.
    The lifter starts the lift with the barbell higher off the floor by setting up the bar on safety pins or in a power rack.
  • Range of motion
    Because the starting position is higher, the lifter does not have to lift the barbell as far as they would in conventional or other deadlift variations where the barbell is on the floor.
    That results in a shorter range of motion for the lift.
  • Muscle emphasis
    Rack Pull Deadlifts still target the same muscle groups as conventional deadlifts but emphasize some muscles to a greater extent.
    The shorter range of motion places less stress on the hamstrings and lower back and shifts more emphasis toward the upper back, traps, and lockout strength.
  • Upper body strength
    The deadlift variations require higher upper back and traps strength to lock out the weight at the top of the lift.
    That makes them one of the best deadlift variations for exercisers looking to improve their upper body strength and back development.
  • Lifter height adaptation
    Rack Pull Deadlifts allow lifters of different heights to modify the starting position to suit their needs.
    Taller lifters may set the barbell higher to reduce the range of motion, while shorter lifters may set it lower to adjust accordingly.
  • Technique and loading
    Lifters can handle heavier weights in Rack Pull Deadlifts due to the reduced range of motion.
    That can be advantageous for building strength and power.

Rack Pull Deadlifts can be a valuable addition to a strength training program, especially for

Jefferson Deadlift (Straddle Deadlift):

Suitability: Intermediate toexperienced. It may not suit beginners due to the complexity of the straddle position.
Target muscles:
Primary muscles: Adductors, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, quadriceps, and core.
Secondary muscles: Erector spinae, lats, grip muscles, and calves.

What makes Jefferson Deadlift different

The Jefferson Deadlift, also known as the Straddle Deadlift or the Scissors Deadlift, is a unique variation that sets it apart from conventional and other deadlift variations due to its unconventional stance and hand position.

In the Jefferson Deadlift, the lifter straddles the barbell with one foot in front of the bar and the other behind it.
The lifter then grasps the barbell with one hand in front and the other hand behind.

That creates a scissor-like or straddle position.

They are some of the best deadlift variations that can help improve lateral stability, grip strength, and general body awareness.

  • Stance and grip
    The most significant difference in the Jefferson Deadlift is the unique stance and grip.
    The lifter stands perpendicular to the barbell, with one foot in front and the other behind the bar.
    The hands grip the barbell from opposite sides—one in front and the other behind.
  • Movement path
    The barbell moves along a diagonal path compared to the straight vertical path in conventional deadlifts.
    This diagonal movement challenges the lifter’s stability, balance, and coordination.
  • Muscle emphasis
    The Jefferson Deadlift targets the same muscle groups as conventional deadlifts but in a different way.
    It emphasizes the adductors and the lateral stability of your core, which are engaged to maintain the straddle position during the lift.
    It also requires strong grip strength due to the offset hand position.
  • Bilateral symmetry
    The Jefferson Deadlift allows the lifter to perform the lift bilaterally. That means both sides of the body work independently, making it one of the best deadlift variations for identifying and addressing imbalances between the left and right sides of the body.
  • Adaptability to individual biomechanics
    The variation can suit lifters with various body types and limb lengths.
    It allows exercisers to adjust their stance and grip to accommodate their unique biomechanics and find a comfortable position for the lift.
  • Core Engagement
    To maintain stability during the Jefferson Deadlift, the core muscles, particularly the obliques, play a significant role in stabilizing the torso and preventing twisting.

Single-Leg Deadlift

single leg deadlift - best dumbbell hamstring exercises

Suitability: Beginner to Intermediate level
Target muscles:
Primary muscles: Gluteus maximus, hamstrings, quadriceps, core, and stabilizer muscles.
Secondary muscles: Erector spinae, adductors, grip muscles, and calves.

What makes Single-Leg Deadlifts different

In Single-Leg Deadlifts, the lifter performs the deadlift while balancing on one leg, with the other leg extended straight behind their body.

That creates a unilateral movement, making it distinct from other deadlift variations.

They help improve balance, stability, and coordination and can benefit athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and people recovering from injuries.

  • Stance
    The most significant difference in Single-Leg Deadlifts is the single-leg stance instead of a traditional two-legged stance. The lifter balances on one leg throughout the entire movement.
  • Unilateral Movement
    They are some of the best deadlift variations for working one side of the body at a time.
    They are unilateral exercises that can help identify and address any strength imbalances between the left and right sides of the body.
  • Balance and stability
    Single-leg deadlifts require good balance and stability to perform the movement while preventing the body from tipping or rotating to one side.
  • Muscle emphasis
    They target the hamstrings, glutes, and core on the working leg.
    The hip muscles, including the hip abductors and adductors, also play a significant role in stabilizing the leg during the lift.
  • Improved functional strength
    Because Single-Leg Deadlifts require using the stabilizing muscles and mimic movements used in daily activities, they can help improve functional strength and enhance overall balance and coordination.
  • Grip Strength
    Balancing on one leg during the lift places more demand on grip strength to hold onto the weight and maintain control throughout the movement.
  • Flexibility and Mobility
    Single-leg deadlifts challenge hamstring flexibility and hip mobility on the working leg.
    Thus, it can benefit exercisers looking to improve lower body flexibility.

Suitcase Deadlift

suitcase carry - farmers carry variation - man holding kettlebell

Suitability: Intermediates
Target muscles:
Primary muscles: Obliques, quadratus, lower back, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, and core
Secondary muscles: Erector spinae, lats, grip muscles, and calves

Suitcase Deadlifts can help athletes and exercisers who want to develop functional strength and stability for real-life activities that involve asymmetric loads, such as carrying suitcases, groceries, or other objects on one side.

They are excellent deadlift variations for building unilateral strength, improving grip strength, and enhancing core stability.

What makes suitcase deadlifts different

In a Suitcase Deadlift, the lifter picks up a weight, usually a dumbbell or kettlebell, with one hand while keeping the other arm free.

That creates an imbalanced load, making it distinct from other deadlift variations.

  • One-sided load
    The most significant difference in Suitcase Deadlifts is using a single-sided load.
    While the conventional and many other deadlift variations involve a balanced load with both hands gripping the barbell, Suitcase Deadlifts require the lifter to lift the weight using only one hand.
  • Unilateral Movement
    Like Single-Leg Deadlifts, Suitcase Deadlifts are unilateral exercises that target one side of the body at a time.
    That helps identify and address any strength imbalances between the left and right sides of the body to help build a more symmetrical physique.
  • Core Engagement
    Because of the one-sided load, Suitcase Deadlifts place more demand on the core muscles to stabilize the torso and prevent it from tipping to the side.
  • Grip strength
    Suitcase Deadlifts require a strong grip to hold onto the weight while maintaining control throughout the lift.
    They are some of the best deadlift variations for improving grip strength.

How to do Suitcase Deadlift

The Suitcase Deadlift is a relatively straightforward exercise, but it requires proper form and technique to perform safely and effectively.

Steps to follow

Required equipment: Dumbbell or kettlebell

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to do a Suitcase Deadlift:

  • Place the dumbbell or kettlebell on the floor beside your foot, on the outside of your leg. Make the handle of the weight parallel to your foot.
  • Stand with your feet at hip-width or slightly wider. Position yourself so that the weight is on the outside of one foot.
  • With the weight on your right side, reach down and grasp the handle of the dumbbell or kettlebell with your right hand. Your palm should be facing your body.
  • Keep your back straight, chest up, and engage your core. Your free hand can rest on your hip or stay extended for balance.
  • Exhale, push through your heel, engage your glutes and hamstrings, and lift the weight off the ground. Keep your back straight and avoid rounding or arching your spine.
  • Stand up tall with the weight by your side. Imagine a string pulling the crown of your head towards the ceiling to maintain proper alignment.
  • Hinge at your hips and lower the weight back to the floor in a controlled manner while keeping your back straight. Ensure the free weight follows a path along the outside of your leg.
  • Repeat
  • Perform the desired number of repetitions on one side and then switch to the other side.

Recommended Reps:

For Strength and Power

  • Reps: 1-6 reps
  • Sets: 3-5 sets
  • Rest: Rest for 2 to 3 minutes between sets to allow for adequate recovery

For muscle hypertrophy or muscle growth

  • Reps: 6-12 reps per set
  • Sets: 3-4 sets
  • Rest: Rest for about 1 to 2 minutes between sets to maintain some fatigue

For muscle endurance

  • Reps: 12-20 reps per set
  • Sets: 3-5 sets
  • Rest: Rest for shorter periods, around 30 seconds to 1 minute between sets, to maintain a higher level of cardiovascular demand.

Tips

  • Keep your shoulders square, and avoid rotating your torso during the lift.
  • Engage your core throughout the movement to stabilize your spine and prevent unnecessary twisting.
  • Ensure your knees track in line with your toes during the lift.
  • Start with a lighter weight to focus on proper form and gradually increase the load when possible.

Snatch Grip Deadlift

The snatch grips are some of the best deadlift variations for lifters looking to target their upper back and traps, improve grip power, and enhance their performance in Olympic weightlifting or other sports requiring overhead strength.

Suitability: Experienced lifters
Target muscles:
Primary muscles:
Upper back, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, core
Secondary muscles: Erector spinae, quadriceps, grip muscles, calves

What makes Snatch Grip Deadlifts different

Snatch Grip Deadlifts uses a wider grip on the barbell. The lifter places their hands wider apart, resembling the grip used in the Olympic weightlifting movement, the snatch.

The wider grip increases the range of motion and changes the mechanics of the lift, making it distinct from conventional deadlifts.

Steps to follow

  • Stand with the barbell in front of you. Keep your feet at hip-width or slightly wider. Ensure the bar is over the middle of your feet.
  • Reach down and grasp the barbell with both hands, placing your arms wider apart than your shoulders. A typical starting point is to have your hands about 1.5 to 2 times shoulder-width apart. But you can adjust the width based on your comfort and mobility.
  • Lower your hips and engage your core. Keep your back straight and your chest up.
  • Push through your heels, engage your glutes and hamstrings, and lift the barbell off the floor. Keep the bar close to your body throughout.
  • Stand upright, holding the barbell.
  • Lower the barbell back to the floor with control, following the same path as you lifted it.
  • Repeat and the same number of reps and sets as under Suitcase Deadlift.

Block Deadlifts

Block Deadlifts involve lifting the bar from an elevated position using blocks or platforms.

Instead of starting from the floor like in conventional deadlifts, the barbell is raised off the floor to a predetermined height by placing it on blocks, mats, or weight plates.
That creates a shorter range of motion for the lift.

The elevated platform creates a shorter range of motion compared to conventional deadlifts.

The reduced range of motion in Block Deadlifts allows lifters to target specific portions of the deadlift movement, such as the lockout phase or the mid-range of the lift.

Thus, they are some of the best deadlift variations to use as a training accessory to help target specific portions of the deadlift movement. They can also help lifters overcome sticking points and weaknesses in their deadlift form.

For example, performing Block Deadlifts from a higher elevation can help improve lockout strength, benefiting powerlifters and weightlifters.

Suitability: Experienced lifters
Target muscles:
Primary muscles:
Erector spinae, gluteus maximus, hamstrings, quadriceps, core
Secondary muscles: Trapezius, rhomboids, lats, grip muscles, calves

Steps to follow

  • Position the blocks, mats, or weight plates on the floor to the desired height.
  • Rest the barbell on the elevated surface.
  • Stand at the front of the barbell with your feet at hip-width or slightly wider. Your shins should be close to the barbell.
  • Grasp the bar with both hands at a comfortable width. You can use a conventional grip or an alternate grip (one palm facing you and the other facing away) can be used, depending on your preference.
  • Lower your hips and engage your core. Keep your back straight and your chest up.
  • Push through your heels, engage your glutes and hamstrings, and lift the barbell off the elevated surface. Keep the bar close to your body throughout the movement.
  • Stand up tall with the barbell, maintaining proper form and balance.
  • Lower the barbell back to the elevated surface with control, following the same path as you lifted it.
  • Repeat

Trap Bar Deadlifts

hamstring exercises - trap bar deadlift

Suitability: All levels, including beginners
Target muscles: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, lower back, traps, rhomboids, forearms and grip

Trap Bar Deadlifts, aka Hex Bar Deadlifts, are deadlift variations that involve using a specialty barbell called a trap bar or hex bar.

The trap bar is a hexagonal-shaped bar with handles on each side, allowing the lifter to stand inside the barbell while holding the handles.

This barbell’s design shifts the center of gravity closer to the body and places less stress on the lower back, compared to conventional deadlifts.

The lifter’s more upright torso position and the ability to stand inside the barbell can lead to a more mechanically advantageous lift, making the exercises some of the best deadlift variations for all fitness levels.

Many lifters find trap bar deadlifts easier to learn and execute correctly, making it one of the best deadlift variations for beginners or those with mobility limitations.

Steps to follow

  • Position the trap bar on the floor and stand inside it with your feet at hip-width. The handles should align with the middle of your feet.
  • Reach down and grasp the handles with both hands, keeping your palms facing your body or each other.
  • Lower your hips and engage your core. Your back should be straight, and your chest should be up.
  • Push through your heels, engage your glutes and hamstrings, and lift the trap bar off the floor. Keep the barbell close to your body.
  • Stand up tall with the trap bar.
  • Lower the trap bar back to the ground with control, following the same path as you lifted it.
  • Repeat

Example Deadlift Variations workouts for different fitness levels

deadlift variations -man doing barbell exercises-03

Deadlift variations workouts Strength and Muscle Building

  • Exercise 1: Conventional Deadlift – 4 sets x 5 reps (80-85% of 1-rep max)
  • Exercise 2: Romanian Deadlift (RDL) – 3 sets x 8 reps (70-75% of 1-rep max)
  • Exercise 3: Snatch Grip Deadlift – 3 sets x 6 reps (75-80% of 1-rep max)
  • Exercise 4: Barbell Hip Thrust – 3 sets x 10 reps (Moderate weight)
  • Exercise 5: Barbell Bent-Over Rows – 3 sets x 8 reps (Moderate weight)

Deadlift variations workouts for Fat Loss and Conditioning

  • Exercise 1: Sumo Deadlift – 4 sets x 8 reps (60-65% of 1-rep max)
  • Exercise 2: Deficit Deadlift – 3 sets x 10 reps (Moderate weight)
  • Exercise 3: Suitcase Deadlift – 3 sets x 12 reps on each side (Light to moderate weight)
  • Exercise 4: Kettlebell Swings – 4 sets x 15 reps (Moderate weight)
  • Exercise 5: Battle Ropes – 3 sets x 30 seconds (High-intensity intervals)

Deadlift variations workouts for Muscle Endurance

  • Exercise 1: Block Deadlift – 4 sets x 12 reps (50-60% of 1-rep max)
  • Exercise 2: Single-Leg (One-Legged) Deadlift – 3 sets x 10 reps each leg (Light to moderate weight)
  • Exercise 3: Rack Pull Deadlift – 3 sets x 15 reps (Light to moderate weight)
  • Exercise 4: Romanian Deadlift (RDL) – 3 sets x 15 reps (Light to moderate weight)
  • Exercise 5: Dumbbell Walking Lunges – 3 sets x 12 reps each leg (Moderate weight)
  • Notes:

Tips

  • Warm up before each workout with light cardio and dynamic stretches.
  • Rest periods between sets can vary based on the intensity and your fitness level. For strength-focused workouts, rest for 2-3 minutes. For fat loss and muscle endurance workouts, rest for 45 seconds to 1 minute to keep the heart rate elevated.
  • Always prioritize proper form and technique in all exercises.
  • Progressively increase the weight and intensity as you become more comfortable with each workout.

Final words from LiveLIfe

From beginners embarking on their fitness journey to seasoned athletes seeking new challenges, the many deadlift variations open many possibilities to boost strength, enhance muscle development, and improve overall fitness.

Whether you opt for the classic Conventional Deadlift to build a solid foundation or venture into the lesser-known variations like the Snatch Grip Deadlifts for more specific targeting, each exercise plays a vital role in developing functional strength and resilience.

Incorporate these deadlift variations into your strength training regimen to ignite new challenges, break through plateaus, and foster a deeper connection with your body’s capabilities.

Let the deadlift variations be your allies in your strength and fitness building efforts.

So, embrace the journey, stay dedicated to your goals, and remember consistency and patience are the keys to unlocking your full potential. Happy deadlifting!

  1. Hindle BR, Lorimer A, Winwood P, Keogh JWL. 2019. Correction to: The biomechanics and applications of strongman exercises: a systematic review. Sports Med Open. doi.org/10.1186/s40798-019-0222-z
  2. Martín-Fuentes I, Oliva-Lozano JM, Muyor JM. 2020. Electromyographic activity in deadlift exercise and its variants. A systematic review. PLoS One. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0229507

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