How to Do Rickshaw Deadlift
Start and end of one clean rep of Rickshaw Deadlift.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Quads |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Core, Back |
| Equipment | Machine |
| Category | Strongman |
How to perform Rickshaw Deadlift
- Load the frame with the desired weight. Center yourself between the handles. You feet should be about hip width apart. Bend at the hips to grip the handles, allowing your shoulder blades to protract.
- 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 ground.
Muscles worked
- Quads (primary): extends the knee to drive squats, lunges and jumps.
- Forearms (secondary): controls your grip and keeps the wrist steady under load.
- Glutes (secondary): extends and stabilises the hip — the engine behind hinges, squats and sprints.
- Hamstrings (secondary): bends the knee and extends the hip through hinges and pulls.
- Core (secondary): braces the trunk and resists twisting to protect the spine.
- Back (secondary): pulls the arms down and toward the torso and keeps the spine stable.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
Form tips
- Keep the knees tracking in line with the toes and push the whole foot into the floor.
- Set the seat and pads so the machine's pivot lines up with the joint you're training before your first rep.
- Brace hard and keep a neutral spine; loaded odd-object work punishes a loose torso fast.
- Breathe out on the effort and in on the return, keeping one steady rhythm across the set.
Common mistakes
- Letting the knees cave inward as you push out of the bottom.
- Leaving the seat or range on a setting that forces the joint into an awkward angle.
- Letting the torso round the moment the object leaves the floor.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Rickshaw Deadlift work?
Rickshaw Deadlift mainly works the quads, with the forearms, glutes, hamstrings, core, back helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Rickshaw Deadlift?
Rickshaw Deadlift needs the corresponding weight-stack or plate-loaded machine.
How many sets and reps should I do for Rickshaw Deadlift?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
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