Sumo Deadlift vs Box Squat

Which one fits your Leg workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Sumo Deadlift more often — 1,150 sessions vs 21. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Sumo Deadlift and Box Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.

Sumo Deadlift vs Box Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Sumo Deadlift more often — 1,150 sessions compared to 21 for Box Squat.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Sumo Deadlift and Box Squat differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

How Sumo Deadlift and Box Squat Differ

What differsSumo DeadliftBox Squat
Muscles workedglutes, back, quads, and hamstringsquads, hamstrings, and glutes
Difficulty4 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users1,150 sessions21 sessions

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How to Do Sumo Deadlift

Sumo Deadlift demo video

Sumo Deadlift Muscles Worked: Leg

Form

  1. 1. Move your hips back while lifting the barbell forward.
  2. 2. Push against the floor and apply pressure to the center of your feet.
  3. 3. When you are fully upright, puff out your chest and contract your entire posterior.
  4. 4. Move your hips back again and bend your knees to return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
  2. 2. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from rounding.
  3. 3. Be careful not to let your knees collapse inward when standing up.
  4. 4. Do not excessively arch your back while trying to keep it straight.

For a full Sumo Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Sumo Deadlift exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Sumo Deadlift?Exercise Guide

How to Do Box Squat

Box Squat demo video

Box Squat Muscles Worked: Leg

Form

  1. 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hips to lower your buttocks down.
  2. 2. Sit down naturally until your knees bend and you touch the prepared object.
  3. 3. Stand up by pushing strongly through the center of your feet.
  4. 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, and return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
  2. 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
  3. 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
  4. 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
  5. 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
  6. 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.

For a full Box Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Box Squat exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Box Squat?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Leg, Sumo Deadlift or Box Squat?

Planfit users log Sumo Deadlift more often — 1,150 sessions against 21 for Box Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

Do Sumo Deadlift and Box Squat work the same muscles?

Not quite. Sumo Deadlift loads glutes, back, quads, and hamstrings, and Box Squat loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes.

What equipment do Sumo Deadlift and Box Squat need?

Sumo Deadlift needs a barbell, and Box Squat needs a barbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Sumo Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Box Squat once your form holds up.

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