MWC
HamstringsBarbellIntermediate

Sumo Deadlift with Chains

Sumo Deadlift with Chains — starting positionSumo Deadlift with Chains — end position
Primary muscles
Hamstrings
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound · Pull

How to do the Sumo Deadlift with Chains

  1. 1

    You can attach the chains to the sleeves of the bar, or just drape the middle over the bar so there is a greater weight increase as you lift. Attempt to keep the ends of the chains away from the plates so you don't hit them when you lower the weight.

  2. 2

    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.

  3. 3

    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.

  4. 4

    As the bar passes through the knees, lean back and drive the hips into the bar, pulling your shoulder blades together.

  5. 5

    Return the weight to the ground by bending at the hips and controlling the weight on the way down.

How to program the Sumo Deadlift with Chains

Sets and reps

As a compound movement, the Sumo Deadlift with Chains responds well to heavier loading. For strength, work in the 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps range with 2–3 minutes of rest between sets. For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 90 seconds of rest is the classic hypertrophy zone. Place it early in your session, when you're freshest, and leave 1–3 reps in reserve on most sets.

Progression

The Sumo Deadlift with Chains is rated intermediate. Earn the right to progress: only add load when every rep of every set moves with consistent technique. Video your sets or use a mirror to check positions, and use double progression (add reps to the top of your range, then add load and reset) rather than jumping weight.

Secondary muscles worked

AbductorsAdductorsForearmsGlutesLower BackMiddle BackQuadricepsTraps

Put the Sumo Deadlift with Chains into a plan

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Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Sumo Deadlift with Chains work?

The Sumo Deadlift with Chains primarily targets the Hamstrings. It also recruits the Abductors, Adductors, Forearms, Glutes, Lower Back, Middle Back, Quadriceps, Traps as supporting muscles.

What equipment do I need for the Sumo Deadlift with Chains?

You need Barbell. Difficulty level: Intermediate.

How many sets and reps of the Sumo Deadlift with Chains should I do?

For strength, do 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps with 2–3 minutes rest. For muscle growth, do 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with about 90 seconds rest.

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