Sumo Deadlift High Pull

Master the Sumo Deadlift High Pull for a powerful full-body workout. This dynamic exercise builds strength in glutes, quads, hamstrings, and shoulders for

Advanced
Compound
Pull
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

A variant of the conventional deadlift, Sumo Deadlift High Pull is a full body exercise that targets the traps, quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus muscles, the lower back, forearms and the biceps.

Save Sumo Deadlift High Pull to a routine

Log sets, reps, and weight as you train — free in the Ellim app.

Get Ellim — Free

How to Do Sumo Deadlift High Pull

  1. 1
    Setup

    Stand with your feet significantly wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointed out at a 45-degree angle, with the barbell positioned directly over your mid-foot.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Hinge at your hips and bend your knees to grasp the barbell with an overhand grip, hands inside your knees and slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart.

  3. 3
    Setup

    Lower your hips until your thighs are roughly parallel to the floor, ensuring your chest is up, shoulders are back, core is engaged, and your back remains straight.

  4. 4

    Drive through your heels, extending your hips and knees simultaneously to lift the bar off the floor; as the bar passes your knees, explosively pull it upward.

  5. 5

    Continue the explosive pull by shrugging your shoulders and bending your elbows, keeping the bar close to your body and pulling it to chest height with elbows pointing up and out.

  6. 6

    Control the descent by reversing the movement, lowering the bar back to the floor with a controlled hinge at the hips and bend in the knees, maintaining a straight back.

Tips

  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout the entire movement, from the initial lift off to the controlled descent, to protect your lower back.
  • Initiate the pull from the floor primarily with your legs and hips, generating maximum power before your arms engage in the high pull phase.
  • Keep the barbell as close to your body as possible during the high pull to maintain leverage and minimize strain on your shoulders.
  • Focus on a continuous, explosive movement from the floor to the high pull, thinking of it as one fluid motion rather than two separate exercises.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Rounding the back during the lift can lead to injury; ensure you engage your core and keep your chest up to maintain a neutral spine.
  • ×Pulling with the arms too early reduces the power generated from your lower body; drive through your legs and hips first, then follow with the shrug and arm pull.
  • ×Allowing the bar to swing away from your body during the high pull decreases efficiency and increases shoulder strain; keep the bar path vertical and close to your torso.

In the Ellim app, Sumo Deadlift High Pull unlocks

Free — no subscription needed

  • Log sets, reps, and weight

    Track every set as you train

  • See your strength curve

    Performance graphs across all sessions

  • Add to a routine

    Save into a custom workout in one tap

  • Rest timer with Live Activity

    Dynamic Island countdown between sets

  • HealthKit sync

    Workouts flow to Apple Health

  • 3,500+ exercise library

    Search, filter, and pick variations offline

Ready to train sumo deadlift high pull?

Get Ellim — Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Sumo Deadlift High Pull work?
Sumo Deadlift High Pull primarily targets Deltoid Lateral, Gluteus Maximus, Quadriceps. Secondary muscles include Adductor Magnus, Biceps Brachii, Brachialis, Brachioradialis, Deltoid Anterior, Gastrocnemius, Infraspinatus, Soleus, Teres Minor, Trapezius Lower Fibers, Trapezius Middle Fibers.
Is Sumo Deadlift High Pull good for beginners?
Sumo Deadlift High Pull is rated advanced. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Sumo Deadlift High Pull?
You need Barbell to perform Sumo Deadlift High Pull. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Sumo Deadlift High Pull?
Maintain a neutral spine throughout the entire movement, from the initial lift off to the controlled descent, to protect your lower back. Initiate the pull from the floor primarily with your legs and hips, generating maximum power before your arms engage in the high pull phase. Keep the barbell as close to your body as possible during the high pull to maintain leverage and minimize strain on your shoulders. Focus on a continuous, explosive movement from the floor to the high pull, thinking of it as one fluid motion rather than two separate exercises.
What are common mistakes when doing Sumo Deadlift High Pull?
Rounding the back during the lift can lead to injury; ensure you engage your core and keep your chest up to maintain a neutral spine. Pulling with the arms too early reduces the power generated from your lower body; drive through your legs and hips first, then follow with the shrug and arm pull. Allowing the bar to swing away from your body during the high pull decreases efficiency and increases shoulder strain; keep the bar path vertical and close to your torso.

Track every rep of Sumo Deadlift High Pull.

Watch your weight climb session by session. See your strength curve. Add it to a routine you'll actually run.

Get Ellim — Free

Ready to train?

Sumo Deadlift High Pull

Get Ellim — Free