Legs
The main area this variation is designed to train.
Exercise guide
Cable Deadlifts
Learn how to do the Cable Deadlifts exercise, which muscles it works, the equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Cable
Use this to decide whether the movement fits your current setup.
Beginner
A quick checkpoint for how simple or technical the movement usually feels.
Legs
Secondary support can come from Arms, Glutes, Back.
Strength
Movement pattern: hinge. This is a compound exercise.
Learning and repeating well
Use this page to understand the setup first, then track the movement consistently in Logbook once it fits your program.
Instructions
How to do Cable Deadlifts
Keep the setup simple, use a controlled pace, and repeat the same movement pattern each rep.
- Move the cables to the bottom of the towers and select an appropriate weight. Stand directly in between the uprights.
- To begin, squat down be flexing your hips and knees until you can reach the handles.
- After grasping them, begin your ascent. Driving through your heels extend your hips and knees keeping your hands hanging at your side. Keep your head and chest up throughout the movement.
- After reaching a full standing position, Return to the starting position and repeat.
Benefits
- Builds strength and control through the legs region.
- Trains multiple joints at once, which can make your sessions more efficient.
- Gives you a repeatable way to track progress inside Logbook over time.
Common mistakes
- Using more weight or speed than you can control cleanly.
- Skipping the setup and losing tension before the first rep starts.
- Changing your body position between reps instead of keeping the movement repeatable.
Variations
Alternatives
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutBeginner Gym Workout
A beginner-friendly gym session built around stable machines and simple cable patterns.
View workoutRelated exercises
More exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Cable Hip Adduction
Cable Hip Adduction is a beginner strength that mainly trains your legs using cable.
View exerciseBarbell Side Split Squat
Barbell Side Split Squat is a beginner strength that mainly trains your legs using barbell.
View exerciseBarbell Squat
Barbell Squat is a beginner strength that mainly trains your legs using barbell.
View exerciseBarbell Walking Lunge
Barbell Walking Lunge is a beginner strength that mainly trains your legs using barbell.
View exerciseFAQ
Common questions about Cable Deadlifts.
Use these answers as a practical starting point, then adjust based on your setup, comfort, and goals.
What muscles does Cable Deadlifts work?
Cable Deadlifts mainly works the legs. It can also involve arms, glutes, back depending on your setup and range of motion.
Is Cable Deadlifts beginner-friendly?
Yes. This exercise is listed as beginner-friendly, which usually means the setup and learning curve are more manageable.
What equipment do I need for Cable Deadlifts?
You will usually need Cable for this variation.
How should I progress Cable Deadlifts?
Start by making the reps smoother and more repeatable. Once the whole set looks controlled, add a small amount of load or one extra rep at a time.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.
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