10 Best Deadlift With Chains Alternatives for Strength & Safety

The Deadlift With Chains is done standing with a barbell. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Linear Acceleration Wall Drill, the Self Assisted Inverse Leg Curl and the Self Assisted Inverse Leg Curl (On Floor).

Updated Ranked by our 12-factor similarity model How it works

Original Exercise: Deadlift With Chains

Deadlift With Chains
Primary muscle
Erector Spinae
Equipment
Barbell
Difficulty
Advanced
Type
Compound

Secondary muscles: Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Middle Back, Quadriceps, Traps

How to perform Deadlift With Chains
  1. You can attach the chains to the sleeves of the bar, or just drape the middle over the bar so there is a greater weight increase as you lift.
  2. Approach the bar so that it is centered over your feet. You feet should be about hip width apart. Bend at the hip to grip the bar at shoulder width, allowing your shoulder blades to protract. Typically, you would use an overhand grip or an over/under grip on heavier sets. With your feet, and your grip set, take a big breath and then lower your hips and bend the knees until your shins contact the bar.
  3. Look forward with your head, keep your chest up and your back arched, and begin driving through the heels to move the weight upward. After the bar passes the knees, aggressively pull the bar back, pulling your shoulder blades together as you drive your hips forward into the bar.
  4. Lower the bar by bending at the hips and guiding it to the floor.
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Ranked Deadlift With Chains Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Deadlift With Chains on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

  1. Linear Acceleration Wall Drill

    1. Linear Acceleration Wall Drill

    59% match
    • Hamstrings
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    A looser match: it works the hamstrings rather than the erector spinae.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Lean at around 45 degrees against a wall. Your feet should be together, glutes contracted.
    2. Begin by lifting your right knee quickly, pausing, and then driving it straight down into the ground.
    3. Switch legs, raising the opposite knee, and then attacking the ground straight down.
    4. Repeat once more with your right leg, and as soon as the right foot strikes the ground hammer them out rapidly, alternating left and right as fast as you can.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: hamstrings, not erector spinae
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not free weights
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Deadlift With Chains
  2. Self Assisted Inverse Leg CurlPlay demonstration

    2. Self Assisted Inverse Leg Curl

    53% match
    • Hamstrings
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Lie flat on your back on a mat or bench with your legs extended.
    2. Place your hands by your sides or under your glutes for support.
    3. Bend your knees and lift your feet off the ground, bringing your thighs towards your chest.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your legs back to the starting position.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: hamstrings, not erector spinae
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not free weights
    • Body position: kneeling, not standing
  3. Self Assisted Inverse Leg Curl (On Floor)Play demonstration

    3. Self Assisted Inverse Leg Curl (On Floor)

    53% match
    • Hamstrings
    • Bodyweight
    • Beginner
    • Isolation
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Lie flat on your back with your legs extended and your arms by your sides.
    2. Bend your knees and place your feet flat on the ground, hip-width apart.
    3. Lift your hips off the ground, engaging your glutes and hamstrings.
    4. Slowly curl your legs towards your glutes, keeping your hips lifted.
    5. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly extend your legs back to the starting position.
    6. Lower your hips back down to the ground.
    7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps, and add reps before you add load.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: hamstrings, not erector spinae
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not free weights
    • Body position: kneeling, not standing
  4. Kick Out SitPlay demonstration

    4. Kick Out Sit

    49% match
    • Hamstrings
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on the edge of a bench or chair with your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent at a 90-degree angle.
    2. Lean back slightly and place your hands on the edge of the bench or chair for support.
    3. Engaging your hamstrings, lift your feet off the ground and extend your legs straight out in front of you.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly bend your knees and bring your feet back towards your body.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: hamstrings, not erector spinae
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not free weights
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Deadlift With Chains
  5. Moving Claw Series

    5. Moving Claw Series

    48% match
    • Hamstrings
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. This move helps prepare your running form to help you excel at sprinting. As you run, be sure to flex the knee, aiming to kick your glutes as the hip extends.
    2. Reload the quad as the leg moves back forward, attacking the ground on the next step.
    3. Ensure that as you run, you block with the arms, punching through in a rapid 1-2 motion.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: hamstrings, not erector spinae
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not free weights
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Deadlift With Chains
    • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Deadlift With Chains
  6. Natural Glute Ham Raise

    6. Natural Glute Ham Raise

    47% match
    • Hamstrings
    • Bodyweight
    • Advanced
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Using the leg pad of a lat pulldown machine or a preacher bench, position yourself so that your ankles are under the pads, knees on the seat, and you are facing away from the machine. You should be upright and maintaining good posture.
    2. This will be your starting position. Lower yourself under control until your knees are almost completely straight.
    3. Remaining in control, raise yourself back up to the starting position.
    4. If you are unable to complete a rep, use a band, a partner, or push off of a box to aid in completing a repetition.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: hamstrings, not erector spinae
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not free weights
    • Body position: kneeling, not standing
    • Balance: harder to stay steady on than the Deadlift With Chains
  7. Reverse Hyper On Flat BenchPlay demonstration

    7. Reverse Hyper On Flat Bench

    47% match
    • Glutes
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    A looser match: it works the glutes rather than the erector spinae.

    How to perform this exercise
    1. Lie face down on a flat bench with your hips at the edge and your legs hanging off the bench.
    2. Hold onto the bench for stability.
    3. Keeping your legs straight, raise them up towards the ceiling as high as you can.
    4. Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement.
    5. Slowly lower your legs back down to the starting position.
    6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: glutes, not erector spinae
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not free weights
    • Body position: lying face down, not standing
  8. Glute Bridge Two Legs On BenchPlay demonstration

    8. Glute Bridge Two Legs On Bench

    46% match
    • Glutes
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Sit on the edge of a bench with your back against it and your feet flat on the ground.
    2. Place your hands on the bench beside your hips for support.
    3. Engage your glutes and hamstrings, then lift your hips off the bench until your body forms a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your hips back down to the starting position.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: glutes, not erector spinae
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not free weights
    • Body position: lying on your back, not standing
  9. Rear Decline BridgePlay demonstration

    9. Rear Decline Bridge

    45% match
    • Glutes
    • Bodyweight
    • Intermediate
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Lie on your back with your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent.
    2. Place your arms by your sides with your palms facing down.
    3. Engage your glutes and hamstrings, and lift your hips off the ground until your body forms a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.
    4. Hold this position for a few seconds, then slowly lower your hips back down to the starting position.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: glutes, not erector spinae
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not free weights
    • Body position: lying on your back, not standing
  10. Janda Sit-upPlay demonstration

    10. Janda Sit-up

    45% match
    • Abs
    • Bodyweight
    • Advanced
    • Compound
    How to perform this exercise
    1. Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
    2. Place your hands behind your head with your elbows pointing outwards.
    3. Engaging your abs, slowly lift your upper body off the ground, curling forward until your torso is at a 45-degree angle.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your upper body back down to the starting position.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: abs, not erector spinae
    • Equipment: bodyweight only, not free weights
    • Body position: lying on your back, not standing

Deadlift With Chains FAQ

What muscles does Deadlift With Chains work?

Deadlift With Chains primarily targets the erector spinae along with the glutes and hamstrings as prime movers. The lats and core act as stabilizers to maintain a neutral spine, and the chains change the load curve so the erectors face heavier resistance through lockout.

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