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Exercise Comparison

Atlas Stones vs Deficit Deadlift

Atlas Stones - starting position
Atlas Stones - ending position
Atlas Stones
expert·Other·compound
Deficit Deadlift - starting position
Deficit Deadlift - ending position
Deficit Deadlift
intermediate·Barbell·compound

Side-by-Side

Atlas Stones
VS
Deficit Deadlift
expert
Level
intermediate
Other
Equipment
Barbell
compound
Mechanic
compound
pull
Force
pull
Strongman
Category
Powerlifting
lower back
Primary
lower back
abdominalsadductorsbicepscalvesforearmsgluteshamstringsmiddle backquadricepstraps
Secondary
forearmsgluteshamstringsmiddle backquadricepstraps

Muscle Analysis

Shared

lower backforearmsgluteshamstringsmiddle backquadricepstraps

Only in Atlas Stones

abdominalsadductorsbicepscalves

Instructions

Atlas Stones

1

Begin with the atlas stone between your feet. Bend at the hips to wrap your arms vertically around the Atlas Stone, attempting to get your fingers underneath the stone. Many stones will have a small flat portion on the bottom, which will make the stone easier to hold.

2

Pulling the stone into your torso, drive through the back half of your feet to pull the stone from the ground.

3

As the stone passes the knees, lap it by sitting backward, pulling the stone on top of your thighs.

4

Sit low, getting the stone high onto your chest as you change your grip to reach over the stone. Stand, driving through with your hips. Close distance to the loading platform, and lean back, extending the hips to get the stone as high as possible.

Deficit Deadlift

1

Begin by having a platform or weight plates that you can stand on, usually 1-3 inches in height. 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.

2

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. 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.

3

Lower the bar by bending at the hips and guiding it to the floor.

Verdict

Both exercises target the lower back. Atlas Stones is a expert exercise using other, while Deficit Deadlift is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Deficit Deadlift if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Atlas Stones for a greater challenge.

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