Cable Deadlifts
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a cable machine.
Starting position
End position
How to Do 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
Alternatives to Cable Deadlifts
10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.
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1
Squats
The squat is the king of lower body exercises, targeting the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings while building core stability. It's a fundamental movement pattern that translates directly to everyday activities.
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2
Barbell Squat
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.
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3
Cable Hip Adduction
A beginner isolation strength exercise that works the quads, using a cable machine.
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4
Dumbbell Squat
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using dumbbells.
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5
Smith Machine Squat
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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6
Squats - With Bands
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a resistance band.
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7
Barbell Side Split Squat
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.
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8
Barbell Walking Lunge
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.
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9
Chair Squat
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.
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10
Dumbbell Lunges
A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using dumbbells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles do cable deadlifts work?
Cable Deadlifts primarily works the quads. The forearms, glutes, hamstrings and lower back assist as secondary muscles.
What equipment do I need for cable deadlifts?
Cable Deadlifts uses cable machine.
Cable Deadlifts: is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Cable Deadlifts is rated beginner. Movements you can learn in a session, with a low skill floor and a forgiving failure mode.
What can I do instead of cable deadlifts?
Squats, Barbell Squat, Cable Hip Adduction train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.
Can Fitnit count my cable deadlifts reps automatically?
Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; cable deadlifts can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.
Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.
Track Your Cable Deadlifts with AI
Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.