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12 Deadlift Accessories To Increase Strength Technique
12 Deadlift Accessories To Increase Strength Technique
12 Deadlift
Deadlift Accessories
Accessories To
To
Increase
Increase Strength
Strength && Technique
Technique
Avi
Avi Silverberg
Silverberg
12 Deadlift Accessories To Increase Strength & Technique
As a powerlifting coach, I’ve tried and tested several deadlift accessories for my athletes in
order to break through plateaus in strength. I’ve identi ed the top 12 best deadlift
accessories that will Increase both strength and technique if implemented correctly.
1. De cit Deadlift
2. Pause Deadlift Combos
3. Interval Deadlift
4. Slow-To-The-Knee Deadlift
5. Trap Bar Deadlift
6. Isometric Deadlift
7. Snatch Grip Deadlift
8. Rack Deadlift
9. Romanian Deadlift
10. Banded Deadlift
11. Hip Thrust
12. Pendlay Row
You certainly don’t want to do each of these exercises all within the same program. You’ll
want to assess areas within your range of motion that are weak, either because you have a
sticking point or lack proper technique, and then select the most appropriate exercise for
you.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these deadlift accessories so that you know why you
should do one over another, whether you’re a good candidate to try them, and if you are,
how to implement them into your training.
1. De cit Deadlift
What is it?
The de cit deadlift is performed standing on an elevated surface, which puts the bar lower
than the normal starting point. If using the conventional stance, the de cit can range from 2-
4 inches. If using a sumo stance, the de cit ranges from 1-2 inches.
By performing a de cit deadlift, the muscles responsible for bottom-end strength are
contracted harder to overcome the external load. This should translate into stronger abilities
when attempting maximal weights from the oor.
You can learn more in our article on the De cit Deadlift (5 Bene ts + 5 Other Things You
Should Know).
The de cit deadlift is a bottom end variation that can enhance speed o the oor, improve
exibility in the start position, and increase hip, low back, and leg strength. It is programmed
when lifters nd it di cult to break the oor under heavyweight.
Because of the emphasis on the low-back, the de cit deadlift is typically trained using a
powerlifting belt. This is to help stabilize the torso in the additional range of motion.
My favorite belt is the 10mm Level Belt from Hawk Sports (click to check reviews and price on
Amazon). This is probably not a brand you’ve heard of, but it’s just as good as any big
powerlifting brand name. You’re getting the same quality without the big price tag.
The de cit deadlift can be a taxing exercise because of the additional range of motion
required.
Use a weight that is 10% less than what you would typically use for deadlifts and do the
same sets and reps. For example: if you would normally do 5 sets of 5 reps @ 75%. Do the
de cit deadlifts at 65% and build it up over several weeks of training.
I wouldn’t program a heavy squat on the same day as de cit deadlifts. If you plan on doing
heavy de cit deadlifts, then only do a light squat and other lower body accessory
movements for the rest of the workout.
Also, if you deadlift more than once per week, plan to do de cit deadlifts on one of your
deadlift workouts, but not all of them, as multiple sessions of de cit deadlifts could be a lot
to handle.
Pausing the deadlift at the knee for 2-seconds before transitioning into the lock-out.
What is it?
Pause deadlift combos are when you do pause reps combined with full reps within a single
set. For example, doing 3 paused reps and then moving right into 3 full reps.
You can implement the pause either just o the oor, below the knee, or above the knee,
depending on which range of motion you want to target.
You can learn more in my article on the Pause Deadlift (Technique, Bene ts, Muscles
Worked).
The additional time under tension builds strength in an area where the lifter is weak and
allows the lifter to draw their attention to a particular segment of the movement to practice
their technique.
ausing in the bottom-end: this will place greater emphasis on the quads and ensures
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lifters’ hips aren’t rising too quickly.
ausing in the mid-range: this will place greater emphasis on the low and mid-back and
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ensures lifters’ torso angle is optimal when transitioning into the lock-out.
ausing in the top-end: this will place greater emphasis on the glutes and ensures
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lifters’ are correctly implementing the timing of their lockout.
A typical progression looks like: 3-5 sets of 4-6 reps between 65-75% of 1 rep max. the rep
ranges would be split equally into paused reps and full reps.
3. Interval Deadlift
What is it?
The interval deadlift is performed exactly like a regular deadlift, but the variables being
manipulated are the reps and rest times.
The reps are only performed using singles (1 rep per set), and the rest times are 60-seconds.
You can think of it like doing 1 rep every minute for however many sets are prescribed.
This is a good method to implement if you struggle with either bottom end strength or
technique. I also like to program it for lifters who are just learning how to deadlift.
If you have a habit of doing touch and go reps, then doing interval deadlifts will force you to
bring the barbell to a dead stop each time. Pulling from a dead stop is more challenging, but
it’s more e ective at building strength than relying on the rebound of the weight o the
ground.
Furthermore, if you struggle with where your hips or torso angle should be in the start
position of the deadlift, then interval deadlifts will give you more opportunities to practice
setting up your body on the barbell.
When programming the interval deadlift you want to take the same sets, reps, and load that
you normally would do for your workout, but split it up into singles.
For example, if your workout was 4 sets of 4 reps at 80%. Since the total number of reps
completed in that workout is 16, your workout would become 16 sets of 1 rep @ 80% on 60-
seconds rest.
So rather than only having 4 opportunities to practice your start position, you get 16
opportunities.
4. Slow-To-The-Knee Deadlift
Lifting the bar slowly to the knee before transitioning explosively into the lock-out
What is it?
The slow-to-the-knee deadlift is when you initiate the pull o the oor with a slower tempo
(typically 3-seconds), and then once at the knee, pulling explosively into the lock-out.
Because of the required tempo used for this deadlift variation, a lot of lifters like to use a
portable metronome (click to see my favorite on Amazon) in order to hold themselves
accountable and to be consistent from rep-to-rep. This device will count the tempo as you’re
lifting.
It’s extremely easy to get lazy with the tempo when the weight starts to feel hard. At that
point, you won’t get any bene t from this exercise.
The slow-to-the-knee deadlift will help train “patience” o the oor. If you yank on the bar
too quickly, then you may forget to pull the slack out of the barbell, or alternatively, risk
having your hips shoot up out of the bottom position.
If either of these things happens, you’re more likely to lose your upper back or torso position
halfway through the pull, which would make the lift harder to lock-out. Not a good scenario if
your goal is to lift the maximum weight possible.
Therefore, you want to select a load light enough where the intended technique is not
compromised. However, you need a load that’s heavy enough that forces you to think about
the proper positioning. So, use a weight that’s meaningful, but not maximum.
I like to program this accessory movement on a second deadlift day if my athlete is training
the deadlift two or three times per week. A typical progression would look like 4-6 sets of 3-5
reps with 60-70% of 1 rep max.
What is it?
The trap bar deadlift uses a specialty bar called the “trap bar”, “hex bar”, or diamond bar —
all referring to the same piece of equipment. This accessory allows you to stand within a
closed box frame with the plates directly lateral to the body, forcing you to assume a more
upright position.
Not all gyms have a trap bar, but if you have a home gym the trap bar would be a great
addition. They’re actually cheaper to purchase than you think. Check out the Pexmor Trap
Bar on Amazon (click for pricing).
The trap bar is a pulling exercise that can be used with lifters who struggle with getting into
the proper positioning in the deadlift. This is because the trap bar provides the lifter with
more freedom to manipulate their body based on their individual mechanics and levels of
mobility.
Furthermore, the trap bar deadlift places a greater loading demand on the quadriceps, so it’s
used as an accessory movement to highlight these muscle groups if they are lacking strength
in the regular deadlift.
Because of the more upright posture, there is also less lumbar stress (lower back), which can
be a bene t to lifters who are recovering from injury or are prone to low back pain.
et your feet in a comfortable stance, which will mimic the same stance as your regular
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deadlift
Grab the handles evenly, some lifters prefer grabbing them more toward the back of the
bar
Press your feet into the oor and pull the weight upward, maintaining your torso
position
Some upper back rounding may occur in the regular deadlift, but not during this
variation
The trap bar deadlift will actually feel like an easier pull compared with the regular deadlift.
As such, many lifters can do more weight than they normally would for the same set and rep
range.
Use a weight that is 10% more than what you would typically use. For example: if you would
normally do 5 sets of 5 reps @ 75%. Start the trap bar deadlift at 85% and continue to build it
up over several weeks of training.
The trap bar deadlift is a versatile movement, which can be programmed either before or
after a squat or on a standalone deadlift day.
6. Isometric Deadlift
The isometric deadlift is where you pull the barbell into the safety pins as hard as you can
What is it?
The isometric deadlift is where you set up the barbell underneath the safety pins in a power
rack with the goal of pulling the barbell as hard as you can against the pins. The goal is to
apply a maximum isometric contraction in the area within the range of motion where you’re
the weakest.
An isometric contraction is where the muscle length doesn’t change under load. For example,
doing a wall sit where your hips are at 90-degrees for a count of 30-seconds.
The isometric deadlift is an advanced training method, which is used to break through
deadlift plateaus. It should only be used if you’ve been stuck at the same training numbers
for several months and you have shown to have superior deadlifting technique.
According to a study in the Journal of Applied Physiology, when using isometric contractions,
where the goal is to maintain your muscle length under load, there is slightly higher muscle
activation (about 5%) compared to concentric and eccentric movements.
You would choose to set up the pins for this exercise to target the area of most
development. For example, if you struggle at mid-shin, you’ll want to perform the isometric
deadlift at this point within the range of motion.
As I said, this is an advanced training method. Any isometric work that you do will likely
require additional recovery throughout the week, especially when rst starting prior to any
sort of adaptation.
If you want to build hypertrophy, perform 10-30 second contractions at 60-75% of your 1 rep
max. The total contraction duration throughout the workout should be 1-3 minutes, which
will determine how many sets you do based on how long you hold a contraction for each set.
If you want to build strength, perform 3-10 second contractions with 75-90% of your 1 rep
max. The total contraction duration throughout the workout should be 30-90 seconds.
What is it?
The snatch grip deadlift is where you set up your hands outside the hashmarks on the
barbell. It’s essentially a ‘wide grip deadlift’, which forces your torso to be slightly more
horizontal to the oor and places greater emphasis on your glutes, low-back, mid-back, and
grip.
Interested in learning more about where to place your hands? Check out my article on
Deadlift Grip Width.
The snatch grip deadlift is used to help develop stronger posterior chain muscles, especially
the glutes and spinal erectors. This is because the hips are set slightly lower in the snatch
grip deadlift compared with the regular deadlift, and the torso angle is more horizontal to
the oor.
If you nd that your torso is susceptible to exion under heavy loads, i.e. your back starts to
round when you begin to fail, then the snatch grip deadlift is a good method to implement
to build a rock-solid spinal position.
stablish your stance, which is sometimes just slightly wider than your regular deadlift
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Set your grip — for most people this will be your index nger on or outside the
hashmark
Pull the bar close to your body and engage your lat muscles
The hips should drop low with the shoulders slightly in front of the barbell
Drive to standing ensuring you don’t round in the back
You can use the same sets and reps as you normally would for your regular deadlift, but
expect to be doing about 15% less load. For example, if you normally do 5 sets of 5 reps @
75%, then you would start your snatch grip deadlift progressions at 60%.
To get the right way on the barbell, make sure you aren’t sacri cing technique for load.
Always keep a neutral spine in this variation and be sure to use a load that you’re capable of
holding onto. Sometimes grip can be a limiting factor.
8. Rack Deadlift
Rack deadlift: starting from the rack just below knees to overload the lock-out position
What is it?
The rack deadlift (or rack pull) focuses on the top-end range of motion by setting up the
barbell on the safety pins inside the power rack. The pins will prevent you from bringing the
barbell to the oor, which means the rack pull is a ‘partial range of motion’.
Typically, the pins are set up so that the lifter is performing the partial range of motion
somewhere between just below the bottom of the knee to just above the top of the knee
cap. The range will depend on the lifter’s area of weakness.
If you struggle with the top-end range of motion for your deadlift, then using the rack pull
will focus on your weak point within the movement.
The goal is to prioritize load over range of motion. Therefore, you’ll be able to perform more
weight than you normally would be able to handle.
The rack pull places greater emphasis on the hip and back extensor muscle groups, primarily
the glutes and spinal erectors. Your grip will also be challenged as a result of doing more
weight, so feel free to use straps. My favorite is the Harbinger Straps (click to check out
reviews and price on Amazon).
et the safety pins inside the power cage to that the barbell rests at knee height
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Position the shoulders directly in line with the barbell
Prior to pulling, squeeze your hands and lats hard
Initiate the pull be forcefully driving your hips toward the barbell
As you lock-out, drive your shoulder back and squeeze your glutes
Return the barbell to the pins and come to a dead stop before repeating
The rack pull can be used to supplement the deadlift either on the same day or on a separate
day altogether.
You’ll be able to do more weight than a regular deadlift for the same sets and reps. The range
will vary depending on where the pins are set, but on average you can expect to lift 5-15%
more. If the top-end of the deadlift is not a weak point, then you might be able to go well
above this range.
Given that you’ll be lifting heavier loads than normal with this exercise, you’ll want to cycle it
in and out of the program accordingly. You can do it for 4-6 weeks, but then take it out for 4-6
weeks and choose another accessory movement that doesn’t prioritize load over range of
motion.
9. Romanian Deadlift
Lowering to the knee by pushing the hips back as far as possible and placing the weight on your heels
What is it?
The Romanian deadlift starts from a standing position and engages more of the glutes and
hamstrings compared with the regular deadlift.
In the Romanian deadlift, you are instructed to push your hips back as you lower the weight,
which will place your shoulders much further in front of the barbell than normal. The barbell
will only travel slightly below the kneecap before you return to a standing position.
It’s also a great movement to teach the ‘hip-hinge’ movement pattern for novice lifters. In
other words, learning how your hips should move correctly under load. It has also been used
to prevent hamstring-related injuries by developing both strength and control.
Unlike the rack deadlift, the Romanian deadlift is not typically used as an overload method
even though it’s a partial range of motion. Instead, a lighter weight is used, and a greater
focus is on engaging the glutes and hamstrings as you lower the weight.
As such, you should use loads between 50-60% of your 1 rep max and perform reps between
6-12. I don’t typically program the Romanian deadlift as a primary exercise (i.e. rst in the
exercise order). I like to program it after a heavy squat or deadlift.
Banded deadlifts will create more resistance at the top of the movement
What is it?
The banded deadlift is an exercise where you attach resistance bands to the barbell. As you
pull the barbell o the oor, the bands will add resistance to the movement making it harder
at the top compared with the bottom.
You can learn more in my article on the Banded Deadlift (4 Reasons Why You Should Do
Them).
The banded deadlift will teach you how to accelerate the barbell through the entire range of
motion. Lifters can’t be ‘lazy’ with how much force they produce as they will need to apply
maximum force all the way to the top.
In addition, the banded deadlift will allow you to build strength in the lock-out. So if you
struggle with locking the weight out or always fail in the top-end range of motion, then this
exercise will be bene cial.
The only piece of equipment you’ll need is single resistance band to set up this exercise.
My recommendation is starting with a 1/2 inch band, which will provide about 10-35lbs of
extra tension at the top end range of motion. Then, as you get stronger, work your way up to
the heavier resistance bands.
My favorite bands are made by WOD Nation (click to check price and reviews on Amazon).
Pick yourself up the entire set in order to have di erent options for heavier and lighter
deadlift sessions.
Perform 4-6 sets of the banded deadlift using rep ranges between 1-5. Depending on the band
size you use, the bar load is typically kept between 60-80% of your 1 rep max.
It doesn’t necessarily matter how much you load the barbell, so long as the resistance at the
top is challenging. I would aim to nish the set and feel like you have 1 or 2 reps left in the
tank. It should feel hard, but not impossible.
Hip Thrust: Back on the bench with the load resting on the crease of the hip
What is it?
The hip thrust is a popular glute strengthening exercise where you place the barbell in the
crease of your hips with your back on a bench, and drive your hips upward.
The hip thrust is used to drive both hypertrophy and strength for the glute muscles. As such,
if you nd yourself struggling in the lock-out of the deadlift where your glutes are
responsible to extend the hip, the hip thrust can be an excellent choice to overcome this
weakness.
Some people nd having the barbell loaded in the crease of the hip joint to be painful. If
that’s the case for you, then you’ll want to consider picking up a cheap barbell pad (click for
the price on Amazon).
This hip thrust should not replace the deadlift and should always be used in conjunction
with any primary exercise. As such, I would program the deadlift followed by a hip thrust to
get extra glute-focused work.
Perform 3-5 sets with 6-12 reps and keep the load fairly heavy for the rep range prescribed.
You want to get to the end of the rep range and feel like you only have 1-2 reps left in the
tank.
You could also play around with the tempo of the movement to make it more challenging,
performing slow 3-second eccentrics, or pausing at the top for 1-sec before lowering the
weight.
What is it?
The Pendlay row is an exercise to work your upper back musculature, including your lats,
rhomboids, and traps.
It is performed much like a bent-over barbell row; however, you’re in a wide grip and resetting
the barbell on the ground in between each rep. Also, the goal is to keep your torso rigid and
pull the barbell to your sternum (not stomach).
One of the key aspects of the deadlift is to keep the barbell on your shins and thighs
throughout the entire movement. If the barbell comes o of you, then it will be extremely
hard to keep your balance, and you’ll be doing more work than necessary to complete the lift.
If you nd it hard to keep the barbell on you throughout the entire movement, it could be
due to the fact that you have weak lats Therefore, the Pendlay row could be an accessory
movement to help overcome this weakness.
I would program the Pendlay row at the end of a deadlift workout. You can do 4-6 sets of 5-10
reps using a weight where you can maintain proper technique and leave 1-2 reps left in the
tank.
Final Thoughts
The best deadlift accessory is going to be one that targets your area of weakness and
reinforces proper technique within certain ranges of motion.
To focus more on the quads and bottom-end strength, perform the de cit deadlift, interval
deadlift, or trap bar deadlift. To focus more on glutes and top-end strength, perform pause
deadlift combos, rack deadlift, and banded deadlift.
There isn’t any magic exercise that will get you stronger overnight, but if you program
deadlift accessories that take into account your individual di erences, and build up volume
and intensity over the course of several weeks of training, you’ll nd your strength trending
upward.
References
Babault, N., Pousson, M., Ballay, Y., Van Hoecke, J. (2001). Activation of human quadriceps
femoris during isometric, concentric, and eccentric contractions. Journal of Applied
Physiology, 91(6): 2628-2634.