Cutler believes that both exercises have different benefits for goals.
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler continues to share different tips about how to get the best possible results in the gym. He continues to train at a high level and is interested in helping others reach their best versions as well. One question he decided to answer was which exercise is better for bodybuilding — deadlifts or rack pulls?
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“Your standard deadlift versus your rack pulls. Now, two totally different movements. The question is, is it a bodybuilding movement? Yes it is.”
Cutler was a bodybuilding icon as a 4x Mr. Olympia spanning from 2006-2010 and a 6x runner-up. At 5’9” tall, he’s still considered one of the best bodybuilders and managed an epic rivalry with 8x Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman. Still, he’s managed to stay in fantastic shape well after retirement. This is because he has remained active in the gym but continues to tailor his meal plan to his goals.
Jay Cutler Talks Deadlifts vs. Rack Pulls
Both deadlifts and rack pulls bring different benefits. Jay Cutler explained that both can help build many areas but it all depends on your goals.
“I used to alternate doing deadlifts every other week or the rack pulls. I’m not suggesting every single week this is your movement, but these are great core exercises. It’s going to build strength, not only in the back, but the glutes, hamstrings, obviously your shoulders.”
Cutler believes keeping reps around eight for three to four sets. This was essential when he hit his back poses on stage. Cutler performed his deadlifts off the floor, which helped work the body as a whole, while rack pulls hit lower back.
“I think that continuous movement, really incorporating it into your routine, whether it’s off the floor deadlift, really work the whole body, or to really isolate more of your lower back with your rack pulls. That is going to be the ideal movement to really bring it into play and get the gull contraction.”
The difference between Rack Pulls & Deadlifts
deadlifts and rack pulls essentially have the same motion, at least at the tail end of each exercise. The deadlift is a lift that is seen in competitive powerlifting competitions, the rack pull is not. The deadlift also has a greater range of motion, from the floor and lifted up off the ground until the lifter locks out their hips with the motion. Rather than lifting from the floor, the rack pull is simply lifted up from the rack, locked out like a typical deadlift and back onto the rack for a shorter range of motion. This can help by still allowing growth to happen without the risk of unwanted pain or injury that can keep you from the gym. Rack pulls are a nice alternative to the deadlift for this very reason and will slide into your routine nicely.
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