Deadlift Articles

"Muscle Groups of the Deadlift”

By Ian Smalley

This article is intended to outline the primary muscles involved in the deadlift.

Hamstrings

The hamstrings are one of the most important muscle groups in powerlifting because of their activity in both proper squat and deadlift form .The hamstrings perform two primary functions: Hip extension and knee flexion. The hamstrings are made up of three muscle groups (biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus), and comprise the majority of the musculature on the back of your thigh.

Glutes

The glutes are also important when squatting and deadlifting. The glutes (especially gluteus maximus) are powerful hip extensors. They are often referred to as the strongest muscles in the body. Gluteus medius and minimus are active during hip abduction, or moving the thigh away from the center line of the body.

Spinal Erectors

The spinal erectors are made up of the longissimus, iliocostalis and spinalis muscle groups. Their primary roles when deadlifting are extension and stabilization of the spine. Conventional style is more demanding on the spinal erectors, while sumo places more stress on the hips, glutes and hamstrings.

Static muscle groups (trapezius, forearms, etc.)

The traps and forearms do not move during the deadlift, but are nonetheless extremely important for proper deadlift form.   Their primary role is for static strength.They must hold their position for an extended period of time without failing or compromising your position. Should your traps fail your back will round out, and should the forearms fail so will the grip.