Car Deadlift
A intermediate strongman exercise for the quads, done with a other equipment.
- Main muscles
- Quads
- Also works
- Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower back and Upper back
- Equipment
- Other equipment
- Level
- Intermediate
- Type
- Compound
- Movement
- Pull
How to do the Car Deadlift
- 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.
Sets and reps
| Strength | 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes |
|---|---|
| Muscle | 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes |
| Endurance or fat loss | 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds |
Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.
Alternatives to the Car Deadlift
Conan's WheelOther equipment · Intermediate
Rickshaw DeadliftOther equipment · Intermediate
Tire FlipOther equipment · Intermediate
Yoke WalkOther equipment · Intermediate
Backward DragOther equipment · Beginner
Bear Crawl Sled DragsOther equipment · Beginner
Sandbag LoadOther equipment · Beginner
Sled Drag - HarnessOther equipment · Beginner
Questions
What muscles does the Car Deadlift work?
Mainly the quads, with the forearms, glutes, hamstrings, lower back and upper back helping.
Is the Car Deadlift good for beginners?
It's rated intermediate. Beginners can build up to it with Backward Drag first.
What can I do instead of the Car Deadlift?
Good alternatives that train the quads: Conan's Wheel, Rickshaw Deadlift, Tire Flip or Yoke Walk.
How many sets and reps of the Car Deadlift should I do?
Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.
Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).