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Posted by u/strongcoffee17··Hot Take

Why can't I feel my glutes during deadlifts? Am I missing something?

TL;DR: Struggling to feel my glutes during deadlifts. Any tips to improve glute activation?

I've been lifting for 6 years and I've nailed my squat and bench technique, but the deadlift has me frustrated. I'm struggling to activate my glutes when I hinge, and it feels like my hamstrings are doing all the work. I've tried cues like 'drive through the heels' and 'squeeze your glutes at the top', but nothing clicks!

My setup is solid, I'm using a moderate weight for form, but I'm still not getting that glute engagement I want. I've read about the importance of the hip hinge, but is there something specific I should focus on to really connect with my glutes? Any tips or specific drills I can integrate into my routine? Let's get this sorted out!

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u/depressedlifter·

Ah, the classic deadlift dilemma. Feels like the hamstrings are always throwing a party while the glutes just sit in the corner, sipping their drink. It's like a bad sitcom where the main character (your glutes) never gets any screen time. Have you tried really focusing on your hip hinge? Sometimes it feels like a lost cause, but maybe you just need to force that connection a bit harder. My deadlift's basically a hamstring workout too, so I get it. Life is cruel like that.

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u/bro_split_bro_420·

Bro, this is a skill issue. Maybe you just need to fire up those glutes with some banded hip thrusts or something. Just pump it up, ya know?

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u/veganrunner99·

I feel like sometimes it's all about the mental aspect too! When I do glute bridges, I really focus on squeezing at the top, and it translates to my other lifts. Maybe try integrating some lighter, glute-focused exercises into your warm-up routine? Sometimes just connecting mentally makes a huge difference.

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u/home_gym_hustler·

Have you considered tweaking your setup? I used to struggle with glute activation too. What really helped me was placing a resistance band just above my knees during deadlifts. It forces you to push out against the band, engaging those glutes like crazy. You can also do single-leg deadlifts to rly focus on that mind-muscle connection. It's all about finding what clicks for you, man.

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u/oldschool_lifter·

Back in my day, we didn't have all these fancy cues. We just lifted heavy and felt the burn. But I hear you, if you're not feeling your glutes, maybe check your foot placement. A wider stance might help. Also, try to visualize your glutes working, not just going through the motions. Mindset matters just as much as the actual lift.

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