The sumo deadlift is one of the most controversial workouts in the bodybuilding world. A few athletes believe that the wider stance in the exercise provides less emphasis on the back, and focuses on the hip, giving preferred benefits to certain body types. Elite bodybuilders like Chris Bumstead and many more are in favor of the above-mentioned statement. However, the other set of people, just like Jeff Nippard, do not believe in it. In fact, in his recent video, he even stated that he never thought it was an actual thing. Here’s his stance for the exercise.
Jeff Nippard unravels sumo deadlift’s ‘less range of motion’
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StrengthSculptStudios shared snippets of an interview with Jeff Nippard, where he says that he was shocked to hear that a lot of powerlifters believe that sumo deadlift is cheating. According to him, believing so is completely against the rule. However, many of them might consider it so because it is a lot easier than conventional deadlifts.
He said, “But I think what they mean by cheating is that it’s just easier. It’s less range of motion, so you know whatever.” He too is of the same belief that sumo deadlift is partially more benefitting to some of the people because of the gap in the stance. However, that does not in any way mean that the exercise altogether must not be considered at all.
He states that if an athlete like him, who is very strong with sumo deadlifts, goes on doing it in a championship, that might be cheating. But it is not the same for everyone. Jeff Nippard was once in a feud with Chris Bumstead regarding the same. While, according to Bumstead, sumo deadlifts must not be allowed in competitions, Jeff Nippard came up with an extensive study as to why it should.
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Scientific Bodybuilder makes the comparison between conventional and sumo deadlift
Jeff Nippard starts by highlighting that the actual physiological difference between sumo and conventional deadlifts is much smaller than people point out. According to him, CBum’s allegation about cheating is because conventional deadlifts demand increased energy on the lower back, making it difficult for people.
However, Nippard says that lighter athletes are better at sumo deadlifts, whereas heavier athletes have more success in the conventional style. It is all a method of trial and error, and well, Nippard encourages his followers to try both out. It is only you that will better understand what works best for your body!
What are your thoughts on sumo deadlifts? Are they cheating or not? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Edited by
Daniel D'Cruz