How to Do the Deficit Deadlift to Boost Pulling Strength
Most deadlifters know the frustration of pulling with all your might, only to have the bar stubbornly stay on the floor. If that sounds familiar, there’s an exercise you need to try: the deficit deadlift. By increasing the range of motion, the deficit deadlift helps you build explosive power from the ground up, boosting your overall deadlift performance. Plus, it’s fantastic for adding mass to your legs and back, reducing your risk of injury, and even improving athletic performance. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to do the deficit deadlift, understand why it’s so effective, explore the best alternatives, and more. Key Takeaways A deficit deadlift is a deadlift variation where you stand on an elevated surface to increase the range of motion. The main benefits of deadlifting with a deficit are that it enhances regular deadlift strength, boosts athletic performance, and may protect against hamstring and ACL injury. Deficit versions of the sumo, Romanian, and stiff-leg d