Cable Deadlifts
Cable Deadlifts is a beginner compound cable exercise that mainly works your quads, with help from your forearms, glutes, hamstrings and lower back.


How to do the cable deadlifts
- Move the cables to the bottom of the towers and select an appropriate weight. Stand directly in between the uprights.
- To begin, squat down be flexing your hips and knees until you can reach the handles.
- After grasping them, begin your ascent. Driving through your heels extend your hips and knees keeping your hands hanging at your side. Keep your head and chest up throughout the movement.
- After reaching a full standing position, Return to the starting position and repeat.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
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Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.
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Goblet SquatDumbbell · Beginner
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Bodyweight SquatBodyweight · Beginner
Weighted SquatOther · Intermediate
Hip Flexion with BandBand · BeginnerFAQ
What muscles does the cable deadlifts work?
It mainly works your quads; your forearms, glutes, hamstrings and lower back assist.
How many sets and reps of cable deadlifts should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the cable deadlifts good for beginners?
Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.