Sumo Deadlift: How-to, Tips & More

The Sumo Deadlift is a intermediate compound exercise for your glutes. You do it with barbell. It is a good fit when your goal is both strength and muscle growth.

Besides the glutes, it also works your adductors, hamstrings and quads, so it fits well in a session that trains those muscles together.

Muscles worked

Glutes muscle

Glutes

Primary

Adductors muscle

Adductors

Secondary

Hamstrings muscle

Hamstrings

Secondary

Quads muscle

Quads

Secondary

How to do the Sumo Deadlift

  1. Stand wide with your toes turned out and the bar over your midfoot.
  2. Grip the bar inside your knees with straight arms.
  3. Push your knees out, brace and stand up.
  4. Lower the bar the same way.

Sumo Deadlift tips

  • Keep your chest up and your hips close to the bar.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 3 to 6 reps per set, and 3 to 6 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range.

Equipment

Barbell

Type

Compound

Sumo Deadlift alternatives

More glutes exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Sumo Deadlift work?

The Sumo Deadlift mainly works your glutes, with help from your adductors, hamstrings and quads.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A good starting point is 3 to 6 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 3 to 6 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Sumo Deadlift good for beginners?

It is rated intermediate, so it is better to build a base with simpler movements first and add it when your technique is solid.

What equipment do I need for the Sumo Deadlift?

You need barbell.

Sumo Deadlift demonstration

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