The deadlift is the lift Eddie Hall built a world record on, 500kg, the first human ever to lift it. Here's which muscles it actually trains, and how to fuel a lift that works this much of your body at once.
Jump to:
- The muscles the deadlift trains
- Why it's considered a full-body lift
- Fuelling a lift like this
- Deadlift FAQs
The Muscles The Deadlift Trains
A systematic review of electromyography (EMG) studies on the deadlift found the erector spinae (running along your spine) and the quadriceps consistently showed high activation throughout the lift, alongside meaningful involvement from the glutes and hamstrings.1 Within the hamstrings specifically, the semitendinosus tends to show slightly more activity than the biceps femoris. In short: it's not just a "back exercise" or a "leg exercise," it's genuinely both at once, which is exactly why it's treated as one of the most complete strength movements you can do.
Why It's Considered A Full-Body Lift
Beyond the primary movers, the deadlift demands serious grip strength to hold the bar, core bracing to keep your spine stable under load, and upper back engagement to keep the bar close to your body throughout the pull. That's a lot of muscle groups working together under real load, which is a big part of why deadlift numbers correlate so strongly with overall strength, and why it's a staple in Eddie's own training.
Fuelling A Lift Like This
Training this many muscle groups under heavy load is exactly the scenario creatine is built for, more available energy for repeated maximal efforts. PUMP or STIM before a heavy pulling session, and WHEY afterwards to support recovery across all the muscle groups you just trained, is a straightforward way to back up the work you're putting in.
Deadlift FAQs
Eddie's take: "The deadlift doesn't lie. Every muscle group has to show up or the bar doesn't move. That's why it's the lift I built my career on, and it's still the best single test of real strength I know."
Train For It
100% Pure Micronised Creatine Monohydrate -...
60 Servings£9.99
The most researched supplement on the planet. 100% of it.
Beast Pharm Creatine is 100% pure 200 mesh micronised creatine monohydrate. Nothing else. No proprietary blend. No filler. No reason to add anything, because nothing needs adding.
Each scoop is a full 5g efficacious dose. Most brands charge full price for 3g and call it a serving. Beast doesn't. Ultra-fine particle size, clean dissolution, proven to increase strength, power, and endurance in study after study.† A daily staple for Eddie Hall himself.
Creatine works through daily saturation. Take it every day, training day or not.
†Consuming at least 3g of creatine daily increases physical performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise.
Directions
Mix 1 scoop (5g) with 250ml to 350ml of water.
Consume 1 serving per day. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
Ingredients
100% Micronised Creatine Monohydrate.
NET WT. 300g No artificial colours.
Warnings
Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Allergens
Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
PUMP Stimulant Free Pre-Workout
30 Servings£34.99
Maximum pump. Zero stimulants.
Beast Pharm PUMP is built around 8g of pure L-Citrulline per serving, the premium form of citrulline for maximum nitric oxide production and one of the highest doses in any pre-workout on the market.† Alongside Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, CellFlo6™, Pine Bark Extract, and AstraGin® for absorption.
No caffeine. No crash. No compromise on the pump.
Most stim-free pre-workouts are just underdosed citrulline and a prayer. PUMP is the real thing: built for evening training, stimulant-free days, or anyone who knows the pump is driven by blood flow, not caffeine.
Developed and approved by Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man.
†L-Citrulline at 8g per serving supports nitric oxide production and blood flow to working muscles.
Directions
Mix 1 scoop (15g) with 250ml to 350ml ofwater.
Consume approximately 20-30 minutes prior to workout.
Do not consume more one serving in any 24 hour period.
Ingredients
L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, Taurine, Epicatechin, Green Tea Leaf Extract (Camellia sinesis) (as CellFlo6™), Pine Bark Extract, Astragalus membranaceus Extract (root) & Panax notoginseng Extract (root) (as AstraGin®), Flavouring, Citric Acid, Anti-caking agent (Aerosil®, Sipernat®), Sweetener (Sucralose).
NET WT. 450g. No artificial colours.
Warnings
Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Allergens
Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
WHEY Premium Protein Complex 2.01kg
67 Servings£64.99
Premium Whey. Serious Protein.
Beast WHEY is a blend of whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate, using Lactomin, a quality-graded whey source. Each 30g scoop delivers 21g of protein to support muscle growth and recovery.†
Protein is the foundation. Beast WHEY gives you a clean, high-quality source of it in six flavours that actually taste like something worth looking forward to after a session.
Developed and approved by Eddie Hall, World's Strongest Man. Available in Chocolate Fudge Cake, Strawberry Cheesecake, Vanilla Ice Cream, Jammy Biscuit, Banoffee Pie, and Cookies and Cream.
†Protein contributes to growth in muscle mass.
Directions
Mix 1 scoop (30g) to water or milk 20 to 30 minutes post-workout.
Alternatively, enjoy at any time for a convenient protein boost without the hassle of meal prep.
Ingredients
Chocolate Fudge Cake
Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Fudge Cake Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum.
Strawberry Cheesecake
Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Strawberry Cheesecake Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Vanilla Ice Cream Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum.
Jammy Biscuit
Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Jammy Biscuit Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum.
Banoffee Pie
Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Banoffee Pie Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum.
Cookies and Cream
Whey Protein Concentrate (Lactomin) (Milk), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk, Soy), Cookies and Cream Flavouring, Sweetener (Sucralose), Xanthan Gum.
NET WEIGHT. 2.01kg
Warnings
Please consult your physician prior to use (especially if you have a medical condition). Not recommended for anyone under the age of 18. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breast feeding. If you are taking any medication consult your doctor before taking this product. Do not exceed the suggested use. Keep out of the reach of children. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
Allergens
For allergens please see the ingredients in bold. Contains milk and soy. Manufactured in a facility that processes celery/celeriac, crustaceans, fish, milk, mustard, peanuts, soya, gluten, egg, lupin, molluscs, nuts, sesame and sulphur dioxide.
Delivery
All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.
Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99
Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.
Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges.
Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.
DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.
All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email.
Additional Charges
Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
References
- Martín-Fuentes, I., Oliva-Lozano, J. M., & Muyor, J. M. (2020). Electromyographic activity in deadlift exercise and its variants. A systematic review. PLOS ONE, 15(2), e0229507.
This article is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Always use correct form and consult a qualified coach when learning a new lift.