Why do powerlifters sumo deadlift?

Asked by: Brian Gosselin

The Sumo deadlift is advantageous to people with shorter arms as it allows the lifter to start with his/her arms closer to the bar, decreasing the range of motion. Another advantage of the Sumo deadlift is decreased shearing force on the lumbar spine when compared to the conventional deadlift.

Is sumo deadlift allowed in powerlifting?

Yes, sumo deadlifting is allowed in all powerlifting competitions, regardless of federation or class. In fact, it’s a more common style of deadlift among lighter weight class categories.

Why do people prefer sumo deadlifts?

Like the standard deadlift, this exercise engages all the major muscle groups. It’s particularly effective for the quads and glutes, but it also targets the adductors, hamstrings, traps, erector spinae, and core muscles. When done right, sumo deadlifts can help develop your hips and posterior chain.

Is sumo better for deadlift?

And long arms. And those who do best with the sumo deadlift. Usually having a long torso. And short arms. But the main concern should be which style helps to play on your strengths to draw out the

Why is sumo deadlift so much easier?

Lifters who have strong and dominant quads may find sumo deadlifts to be easier because of the increased muscular activity there. Combine this with the angle/height of the hips, which removes stress on the back muscles, and leg drive becomes more important for sumo pulling.

Why do people hate sumo lifts?

Common Reasons Why People Dislike Sumo Deadlifts



First, and probably the biggest issue folks have is the different range of motion when compared to conventional styled deadlifts. The second issue stems from the sumo not being fair because it’s a different movement compared to the conventional.

Why is sumo not allowed in strongman?

It isn’t allowed in competition and can be cumbersome for larger individuals, which can cause issues for strongmen because, in strongman, adding size and weight in order to move objects with greater momentum is a key component of being at the top of your game.

Is sumo worse than conventional?

Sumo deadlifting requires more hip and glute strength and conventional deadlifting requires more hamstring and lower back strength. Both will require a degree of the leg (quad) upper back (traps, lats, etc.) and overall core and grip strength.

Which is safer sumo or conventional deadlift?

Since sumo deadlifts involve more of our (usually) stronger anterior chain, they’re often safer on the low back while still getting a training effect on our weaker areas. It’s not uncommon for people to say they “feel” safer in a sumo stance, even if they can lift more weight conventionally.

Which is harder sumo or conventional deadlift?

Conventional deadlifts are harder than sumo deadlifts. It’s harder to keep the back flat, it’s harder to extend the hips, and the bar must move a longer distance. They also hurt worse, make you sorer, and just generally leave you more fatigued. But like most things in life, doing the hard thing pays off.

What body type is best for sumo deadlift?

Ideal Body Type: Those with long limbs and a short(er) torso are generally best suited for the Sumo Deadlift. Their long arms will reduce the total range of motion and the wide stance will inhibit their knees from blocking the bar path on the way up.

What is the heaviest sumo deadlift?

The heaviest sumo deadlift in one minute is 10,548.74 kg (23,256 lb) and was achieved by Raymond Saraiva (USA) in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA, on . Raymond had completed 57 sumo deadlift repetitions with 185.1 kg (408 lb). Raymond had spent years perfecting his sumo deadlift for powerlifting.

Is sumo better for your back?

Yes, the sumo deadlift is easier on the low back because the angle of the torso is reduced in the sumo deadlift which decreases shear forces acting upon the spine, and places more load on the quads, glutes, and hamstrings rather than the erectors and stabilizing structures of the spine.

What is the hardest deadlift?

501 kg

The heaviest deadlift is 501 kg (1,104.5 lb), and was achieved by Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (Iceland) at Thor’s Power Gym, Kópavogur, Iceland, on .

Should tall guys sumo deadlift?

I don’t mean that you can’t deadlift using those other styles occasionally, but your main deadlifting stance should be conventional.



1. Deadlift Using The Conventional Stance.