Car Deadlift

An intermediate strength exercise for the quads, forearms, glutes, hamstrings and back.

Movement guide

Car Deadlift

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredOther / check instructions

Muscle focusQuads · Forearms · Glutes · Hamstrings · Back

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

Leverage Deadlift demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoLeverage DeadliftBeginner · Strength machine

Similar move, beginner grade.

This move

Car Deadlift demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCar DeadliftIntermediate · Other / check instructions

Intermediate grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Sumo deadlift demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSumo deadliftAdvanced · A barbell

Similar move, advanced grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

This event apparatus typically has neutral grip handles, however some have a straight bar that you can approach like a normal deadlift. The apparatus can be loaded with a vehicle or other heavy objects such as tractor tires or kegs.
Center yourself between the handles if you are a strong squatter, or back a couple inches if you are a strong deadlifter. You feet should be about hip width apart. Bend at the hip to grip the handles. With your feet and your grip set, take a big breath and then lower your hips and flex the knees.
Look forward with your head, keep your chest up and your back arched, and begin driving through the heels to move the weight upward. As the weight comes up, pull your shoulder blades together as you drive your hips forward.
Lower the weight by bending at the hips and guiding it to the floor.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Quads. Also: Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Back.

Equipment

Other / check instructions

Level

Intermediate (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Trap bar (hex bar) deadlift demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoTrap bar (hex bar) deadliftIntermediate · Other / check instructions

Rickshaw Deadlift demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoRickshaw DeadliftIntermediate · Other / check instructions

Clean deadlift demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoClean deadliftIntermediate · A barbell

One-Arm Side DeadliftAdvanced · A barbell

Bodyweight squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBodyweight squatBeginner · No equipment

Box drop landing demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBox drop landingIntermediate · A step

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Car Deadlift work?

Mainly the quads, with help from the forearms, glutes, hamstrings and back.

What equipment do I need for the Car Deadlift?

Other / check instructions.

Is the Car Deadlift good for beginners?

It is graded intermediate. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. If it is too hard right now, start with the Leverage Deadlift.

What is an easier alternative to the Car Deadlift?

Try the Leverage Deadlift. It works similar muscles at a lower grade.

How do I make the Car Deadlift harder?

Progress to the Sumo deadlift, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.