Legs
The main area this variation is designed to train.
Exercise guide
Sumo Deadlift with Chains
Learn how to do the Sumo Deadlift with Chains exercise, which muscles it works, the equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Barbell
Use this to decide whether the movement fits your current setup.
Intermediate
A quick checkpoint for how simple or technical the movement usually feels.
Legs
Secondary support can come from Glutes, Arms, Back.
Powerlifting
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 Sumo Deadlift with Chains
Keep the setup simple, use a controlled pace, and repeat the same movement pattern each rep.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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 Strength Program
A simple strength-first plan that keeps the exercise menu small enough to progress consistently.
View workoutRelated exercises
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Barbell Hack Squat is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your legs using barbell.
View exerciseBarbell Lunge
Barbell Lunge is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your legs using barbell.
View exerciseBarbell Step Ups
Barbell Step Ups is a intermediate strength that mainly trains your legs using barbell.
View exerciseFAQ
Common questions about Sumo Deadlift with Chains.
Use these answers as a practical starting point, then adjust based on your setup, comfort, and goals.
What muscles does Sumo Deadlift with Chains work?
Sumo Deadlift with Chains mainly works the legs. It can also involve glutes, arms, back depending on your setup and range of motion.
Is Sumo Deadlift with Chains beginner-friendly?
It is listed as intermediate, so newer lifters may want to start lighter or use a simpler variation first.
What equipment do I need for Sumo Deadlift with Chains?
You will usually need Barbell for this variation.
How should I progress Sumo Deadlift with Chains?
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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