Car Deadlift
The car deadlift is a great exercise for those looking to increase their strength and power. It is an effective full-body exercise that works the major muscle groups, such as the legs, back, and arms. This event apparatus typically has neutral grip handles, however, some have a straight bar that you can approach like a normal deadlift. The handles can be loaded with a vehicle or other heavy objects such as tractor tires or kegs. The exercise begins with centering yourself between the handles and gripping the handles -- with your feet and your grip set, you can then lower your hips and flex your knees. From there, look forward and keep your chest up and your back arched as you drive through the heels to move the weight upward. As you pull your shoulder blades together and drive your hips forward, you can then lower the weight by bending at the hips and guiding it to the floor. This exercise is great for building strength, power, and muscular coordination.
Type:
Strongman
Muscles Used:
Quadriceps
Level:
Beginner
Equipment:
Other
Benefits Of This Exercise
- Builds strength and power
- Works major muscle groups like legs, back, and arms
- Can be used with multiple objects, such as vehicles, tractor tires, or kegs
- Improves muscular coordination
- Can be performed with either a neutral grip or a straight bar
Step by Step Instructions For Car Deadlift
- Start by positioning yourself in front of the event apparatus. This apparatus usually has neutral grip handles, but some may have a straight bar similar to a normal deadlift. The apparatus can be loaded with heavy objects like tractor tires or kegs.
- If you are a strong squatter, center yourself between the handles. If you are a strong deadlifter, position yourself a couple of inches back. Make sure your feet are hip-width apart. Bend at the hip to grip the handles. Take a big breath and lower your hips while flexing your knees.
- Keep your head facing forward, chest up, and back arched. Begin driving through your heels to lift the weight upward. As the weight comes up, pull your shoulder blades together and thrust your hips forward.
- To lower the weight, bend at the hips and guide it back down to the floor.
Warm Up Tips
- Start with a dynamic warm-up to increase blood flow and prepare your muscles for the exercise. This can include exercises such as jogging, jumping jacks, or high knees.
- Perform some mobility exercises to loosen up your hips, back, and shoulders. This can include hip circles, trunk rotations, and shoulder rolls.
- Do some bodyweight squats and deadlifts to activate the muscles you'll be using during the car deadlift. Focus on proper form and technique.
- Stretch your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back to improve flexibility and prevent injury. You can do standing hamstring stretches, seated forward folds, and cat-cow stretches.
- Practice your grip strength by using a grip trainer or performing exercises such as farmer's walks or plate pinches. A strong grip is essential for lifting heavy weights during the car deadlift.
- Warm up your core muscles with exercises such as planks or Russian twists. A strong core will help stabilize your body during the lift.
- Gradually increase the weight on the car deadlift apparatus, starting with lighter loads and gradually working your way up to your working weight. This will allow your muscles to adapt and prepare for the heavier weight.
- Take breaks between warm-up sets to rest and recover. Hydrate and listen to your body to prevent overexertion and injury.
- Focus on
Car Deadlift Safety Tips
- Warm up properly before attempting the car deadlift to prevent injuries. Perform dynamic stretches and light exercises to prepare your muscles for the movement.
- Ensure that the car deadlift apparatus is secure and stable before starting the exercise. Check for any loose parts or potential hazards.
- Maintain proper form throughout the exercise to avoid strain or injury. Keep your head forward, chest up, and back arched. Avoid rounding your back or dropping your shoulders.
- Start with a weight that is appropriate for your fitness level. Gradually increase the weight as you become stronger and more comfortable with the exercise.
- Use a neutral grip or a straight bar grip depending on the apparatus. Make sure your grip is secure and comfortable.
- Engage your core muscles throughout the exercise to provide stability and support for your spine.
- Focus on driving through your heels to move the weight upward. This will help activate your leg muscles and prevent excessive strain on your lower back.
- Keep your knees in line with your toes and avoid letting them collapse inward during the movement.
- Lower the weight in a controlled manner by bending at the hips and keeping your back straight. Avoid dropping the weight or using momentum to lower it quickly.
- If you experience any pain or discomfort during the exercise, stop immediately and consult a fitness professional or healthcare provider.
Incorporating Into Other Workouts
The car deadlift can be incorporated into workouts in a variety of ways to target different muscle groups and achieve specific fitness goals. Here are a few examples:
1. Full-body strength workout: Perform the car deadlift as the main exercise in a full-body strength workout. Start with a warm-up set to prepare your muscles and then perform 3-4 sets of 6-8 repetitions with heavy weight. Rest for 2-3 minutes between sets. This will help build overall strength and power in the legs, back, and arms.
2. Lower body strength and power: Combine the car deadlift with other lower body exercises like squats and lunges to create a lower body strength and power workout. Start with a warm-up set of car deadlifts, then perform 3-4 sets of 6-8 repetitions. After each set, immediately perform a set of squats or lunges. Rest for 1-2 minutes between exercises. This will target the muscles in your legs and glutes, helping to increase strength and power.
3. Back and grip strength: If you want to specifically target your back and grip strength, incorporate the car deadlift as a finisher exercise at the end of your workout. Perform 2-3 sets of 10-12 repetitions with a lighter weight. Focus on maintaining proper form and squeezing your shoulder blades together as you lift. This will help strengthen your back muscles and improve your grip strength.
4. Strongman training: