Deadlifts are a compound exercise that work multiple muscle groups at once, making them an effective exercise to strengthen several major muscle groups simultaneously. The key muscle groups targeted by deadlifts include:

• Glutes: Your glutes are your powerhouse hip extensors, and they should be working maximally as soon as the barbell passes your knees, ensuring you achieve a strong lockout.

• Hamstrings: Deadlifts mainly work the hamstrings, which are the muscles at the back of your thighs.

• Core: Deadlifts work your core muscles, which include your abdominals and lower back muscles. Your lower back muscles also work to assist the deadlift by stabilizing your back and torso position.

• Back: Deadlifts work your back muscles, including your erector spinae, which are back extensor muscles that keep your back flat and prevent you from getting pulled into a round back position. Deadlifts also work your lats, which are the muscles of the upper and lower back that work together to keep the spine stable during the lift.

• Trapezius: Deadlifts work your trapezius muscles, which are large, triangular muscles that extend from the base of the skull to the mid-back. They are responsible for stabilizing and moving the shoulder blades.

In addition to these primary muscle groups, deadlifts also work several secondary muscles, including forearms, adductors, and quadriceps.