Traditional Vs Sumo Deadlift, Which Type is Best For You?

The deadlift is one of the most effective strength training exercises for building full body power. It works virtually every major muscle group, from your hands and forearms to grip the bar, all the way down to your feet which root into the floor.

With proper form, deadlifts engage your core, lower back, glutes, hamstrings, quads, traps, lats, and more. They are a true total body move.

But not all deadlifts are created equal. There are two main styles of deadlifting:

The traditional deadlift
The sumo deadlift

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare and contrast these two deadlift variations. By the end, you’ll know which style is best for your goals and body type.

Traditional Deadlift Overview

The traditional deadlift, sometimes called the conventional deadlift, is the more classic deadlift style.

It uses a shoulder-width stance, with hands outside the legs gripping the barbell. The back is bent and hips lowered to grasp the bar, then raised as you stand up straight while lifting the weight.

Benefits of the traditional deadlift:

Emphasizes the posterior chain muscles like glutes, hamstrings, lower back
Builds tremendous strength in the erector spinae muscles of the back
Allows you to lift very heavy loads due to efficient bar path and muscle recruitment
Great for athletes who need hip extension power like sprinters
Hits the upper back muscles like lats and traps as well

Downsides of the traditional deadlift:

Can strain the lower back if form is not perfect
Limited hip and ankle mobility can make it harder to get in proper start position
May miss leg muscles like quads if not descending deep enough

The traditional deadlift is the style used in powerlifting competitions. It allows greater weight to be lifted due to an efficient bar path and use of larger muscle groups like the back.

If your goal is to get brutally strong and move big weight, the traditional deadlift is likely your best choice. Just be sure to master form to protect the lower back.

Sumo Deadlift Overview

The sumo deadlift uses a wide stance with hands gripping inside the legs. The back is more upright compared to a traditional deadlift.

Benefits of the sumo deadlift:

Reduces strain on the lower back
Emphasizes the legs more, especially inner thighs and quads
Better for people with short arms and long torsos
Can improve hip mobility with practice

Downsides of the sumo deadlift:

Won’t build the back as much as a traditional deadlift
Requires very good hip and ankle mobility to get into proper start position
May allow less weight to be lifted due to inferior leverage

The sumo deadlift is excellent if you want more leg recruitment and less lower back strain. It’s a more quad-dominant movement.

People with short arms/long torsos tend to prefer the sumo style. But it requires impeccable mobility to perform properly.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Now that we’ve covered both lifts separately, let’s directly compare the traditional and sumo deadlift variations:

Muscles worked: The traditional deadlift uses more back, while the sumo uses more legs. Traditional has a slight edge for more total muscle activation.
Form and technique: Traditional deadlift allows more efficient bar path. Sumo requires greater mobility. Both need practice.
Weights lifted: Traditional deadlift allows heavier loads due to mechanics and muscles used.
Lower back safety: Sumo has the edge here. The more upright torso places less shear stress on the spine.
Individual leverages: People with short limbs tend to prefer sumo, while long torsos favor traditional. Test both!
Beginner-friendliness: For new lifters, the sumo may be slightly easier to learn. But both require coaching.
Sport specificity: Traditional deadlift has more carryover to athletic power for sports like football.

As you can see, both deadlift styles have pros and cons. Neither is universally “better” than the other.

The best type of deadlift for you will depend on your specific goals, body proportions, mobility and athletic needs.

How to Choose Which Deadlift Variation is Best

Here are some simple rules of thumb for choosing a deadlift style:

If your goal is maximal strength, especially in the posterior chain, traditional deadlifts are best. The extra back work will build raw power.
If you have existing lower back issues, sumo deadlifts are likely the smarter choice. Their more upright posture places less shearing force on the spine.
If you have short arms and long legs, give the sumo deadlift a try. The mechanics will likely suit your proportions well.
If you play sports requiring hip extension power (like football), focus on the traditional deadlift for optimal athletic carryover.
If you’re new to deadlifting or have mobility limitations, start with sumo deadlifts. They’re slightly more beginner friendly.

The only way to know for sure is to try both styles! Test traditional and sumo deadlifts and see which feels stronger and more comfortable based on your body.

It’s perfectly fine to incorporate both variations into your training routine for variation. Just don’t use radically different weights between them.

Master Proper Deadlift Form and Technique

Whichever deadlift variation you choose, utilizing proper form is critical for both optimal results and injury prevention.

Here are some key technique tips for deadlifting with great form:

Pack your shoulders and brace your core before lifting. This protects your spine and activates more muscle.
Lift your chest up and gaze forwards. Don’t round your upper back.
Push your feet hard into the floor to drive through legs and hips.
Keep the bar close to your shins as it rises, over the middle of the foot. Don’t let it drift forward.
Sit back into hips and bend knees to lower bar. Do not round lower back.
Feel the weight in the hamstrings and glutes. Lockout by squeezing glutes hard.
Use controlled eccentrics. Don’t “drop” the barbell between reps.

Mastering the details of your deadlift form will pay huge dividends. You’ll lift heavier weights while minimizing injury risk.

Film yourself and seek coaching as needed to dial-in proper technique. It takes time and practice.

Take Your Deadlift to the Next Level

Adding deadlifts to your training routine can transform your whole body strength and power. Pick the variation that aligns with your goals and body type for best results.

Over time, try incorporating both traditional and sumo styles for variety and more complete development.

And above all, focus on impeccable exercise form and controlled progressions. Building deadlifting proficiency takes patience, but the payoff is immense.

With smart programming and practice, you’ll be deadlifting personal records in no time!

Now take a look at the differences and benefits of both the squat and the leg press it’s time to put another staple in any serious CrossFit, Fitness or Bodybuilding enthusiasts training arsenal to the test.

Happy Lifting!

This article was written by Justin Robertson, who is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information to our readers. Justin is always happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions or need further clarification about this article, please leave a comment below, and Justin will get back to you as soon as possible.