How can I simulate a deadlift movement on a cable machine

[pete6032]

My work gym does not have barbells, but does have a standard two pulley cable machine with rectangle pin weights. What type of exercises can I do on this machine that would come close to simulating the movement of a deadlift?

 

[SNC]

My work gym does not have barbells, but does have a standard two pulley cable machine with rectangle pin weights. What type of exercises can I do on this machine that would come close to simulating the movement of a deadlift?

If its a standard cable crossover type configuration, it would be almost impossible because of the distance between the pulleys. If it's more like a functional trainer there should be a long bar that connects to both sides of the machine. Depending on the weight you are wanting to use, you might be better off using dumbbells. Are you wanting to do a sumo or standard style dead?

 

[pete6032]

If its a standard cable crossover type configuration, it would be almost impossible because of the distance between the pulleys. If it's more like a functional trainer there should be a long bar that connects to both sides of the machine. Depending on the weight you are wanting to use, you might be better off using dumbbells. Are you wanting to do a sumo or standard style dead?

It's a machine that looks like this.

There is a long bar that connects both sides of the machine, however even when I put the pulley/clamp clips at the very bottom run, the connecting bar sits much higher than it would compared to a standard barbell with 45 lb plates. Since I am shorter and the bottom rungs of the machine are pretty high, I think the connecting bar is almost above my knee before there is any weight resistence, since the bar is connected to pretty big carabiners that are clipped to the pulleys.

I have a full set of dumbbells available, but for some reason doing dumbbell deadlifts doesn't feel as satsifying as barbell. That may be just a matter of finding the right weight. I am a novice so I'm not sure the difference between sumo and standard but I'm assuming standard.

 

[SNC]

It's a machine that looks like this.

There is a long bar that connects both sides of the machine, however even when I put the pulley/clamp clips at the very bottom run, the connecting bar sits much higher than it would compared to a standard barbell with 45 lb plates. Since I am shorter and the bottom rungs of the machine are pretty high, I think the connecting bar is almost above my knee before there is any weight resistence, since the bar is connected to pretty big carabiners that are clipped to the pulleys.

I have a full set of dumbbells available, but for some reason doing dumbbell deadlifts doesn't feel as satsifying as barbell. That may be just a matter of finding the right weight. I am a novice so I'm not sure the difference between sumo and standard but I'm assuming standard.

That is what I think of when I think of a functional trainer. If the bar is to low from a starting position do you have anything to use as a platform to stand on? As for the feel of a deadlift, nothing will feel like a DL except a DL. The reason I asked about sumo or standard is that in a sumo stance with the back in a more upright position similar to a squat, it's a more quad dominant lift and you could use a leg press machine or something similar, a standard DL used hamstring, quad, spinal erectors and a bit more upper back than a sumo, and much harder to replicate. If you were to do a DL what weight would you use?

 

[pete6032]

That is what I think of when I think of a functional trainer. If the bar is to low from a starting position do you have anything to use as a platform to stand on? As for the feel of a deadlift, nothing will feel like a DL except a DL. The reason I asked about sumo or standard is that in a sumo stance with the back in a more upright position similar to a squat, it's a more quad dominant lift and you could use a leg press machine or something similar, a standard DL used hamstring, quad, spinal erectors and a bit more upper back than a sumo, and much harder to replicate. If you were to do a DL what weight would you use?

I just started DL. When I go to the neighborhood gym I do the barbell + 45 lb weights on each side, so 45 + 45 + 45 = 135. Unfortunately my work gym is pretty bare bones and there is nothing to stand on. We do have a leg press machine at my work gym, and I do barbell squats at my neighborhood gym, since the neighborhood gym has barbells. I can also do a dumbbell deadlift by setting the heaviest 65 lb dumbbell on the floor on its side and picking it up, or doing the more standard dumbbell in each hand and imitating the DL motion.

 

[snoopy7548]

I'm not an expert or anything, but I feel like a deadlift on a resistance machine is a bad idea. You have a little bit of play, so partway through your extension the resistance will kick in - probably not a good idea and may cause you to wrench your back. You want a constant weight and proper form, not bending your body to conform to how the machine is set up.

 

[momeNt]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3dWFeND7hM

it is more of a hybrid between a squat and a deadlift, and it primarily hits the glutes.

 

[SNC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3dWFeND7hM

it is more of a hybrid between a squat and a deadlift, and it primarily hits the glutes.

It's more a squat with not much hamstring or erector (lower back) involvement. I am having a hard time imagining thaw that movement will feel. I'm going to the gym tonight I'll try it out and see what it hits. It just looks wrong! The glute involvement is only at the very end and could be achieved with a lit better movement.

 

[deadlyapp]

You can probably do pull throughs which are a hamstring and hip dominant movement, however won't really feel like a deadlift.

Pull through is basically standing facing away from the machine, the resistance is between your legs and you hinge at the hip then extend your hips and lock through, squeezing glutes at top. It's usually done with a rubber band but a cable machine should work fine.

 

[purbeast0]

You don't.

And the total weight on a cable isn't even close to anything meaningful to put up deadlifting.

 

[Ventanni]

I just started DL. When I go to the neighborhood gym I do the barbell + 45 lb weights on each side, so 45 + 45 + 45 = 135. Unfortunately my work gym is pretty bare bones and there is nothing to stand on. We do have a leg press machine at my work gym, and I do barbell squats at my neighborhood gym, since the neighborhood gym has barbells. I can also do a dumbbell deadlift by setting the heaviest 65 lb dumbbell on the floor on its side and picking it up, or doing the more standard dumbbell in each hand and imitating the DL motion.

Sadly, nothing replicates the deadlift. Any cable use attempt is going to place the weight out of your center line. There is a cable pull-through exercise you could do, but it's more for specifically targeting the hamstrings and glutes.

But, consider this alternative - dumbbell squats. That is, assuming you have some dumbbells available. Dumbbell squats will always put you in perfect anatomical form for squat movement, building exactly the muscles you need to do squats. Squats are also one of those "king" exercises to perform alongside deadlifts.

 

[OverVolt]

Kettle Bell deadlifts? dumbbell deadlifts?

Thats pretty much it.