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Exercise Comparison

Axle Deadlift vs Deficit Deadlift

Axle Deadlift - starting position
Axle Deadlift - ending position
Axle Deadlift
intermediate·Other·compound
Deficit Deadlift - starting position
Deficit Deadlift - ending position
Deficit Deadlift
intermediate·Barbell·compound

Side-by-Side

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

Muscle Analysis

Shared

lower backforearmsgluteshamstringsmiddle backquadricepstraps

Instructions

Axle Deadlift

1

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 over/under grip.

2

With your feet and your grip set, take a big breath and then lower your hips and flex 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.

3

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.

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. Axle Deadlift is a intermediate exercise using other, while Deficit Deadlift is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Axle Deadlift if you have access to other, or Deficit Deadlift if you prefer barbell.

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