Sumo Deadlifts and Upper Back/Lats

Bigger Stronger Leaner Powerlifting & Strength Sports
1

Got a quick question about sumo pulling. I know that on a conventional deadlift your upper back and lats will get worked hard, but does the sumo deadlift give you the same back building effects. I know that your lower back will definitely be less worked, but I’m not sure about the upper back/lats. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

2

If you dont feel it, put some more weight on the bar until you do. As far as the “back building” i would think it would be hard to say, as I dont know anyone who pulls one way long enough to see results, and then switches.

Jason

3

I’ve been wondering the same thing, because i recently switched to sumo due to lower back pain.

4

If you sumo deadlift in an attempt to exclude your back from the exercise, then you probably dont give a shit about your back being strong in the first place.

5

[quote]StormTheBeach wrote:
If you sumo deadlift in an attempt to exclude your back from the exercise, then you probably dont give a shit about your back being strong in the first place.[/quote]
Interesting, I never thought about it that way.

6

I switched to sumo a little over two years ago after pulling conventional for about 10 years. I feel like the lats are more engaged in a sumo pull and the traps are a little bit less engaged. There is also a little less stress on the lower back.

I’d say they’re about equal in terms of back development potential. If you just want back development though then rack pulls are your best bet. For strength, longer limbed guys tend to favor conventional and stocky guys do better with sumo, as a general rule.

7

[quote]Steel Nation wrote:
I switched to sumo a little over two years ago after pulling conventional for about 10 years. I feel like the lats are more engaged in a sumo pull and the traps are a little bit less engaged. There is also a little less stress on the lower back.

I’d say they’re about equal in terms of back development potential. If you just want back development though then rack pulls are your best bet. For strength, longer limbed guys tend to favor conventional and stocky guys do better with sumo, as a general rule.[/quote]
Thanks. Thats the answer I was looking for.