TETSUCable Deadlift vs Smith Squat
The Cable Deadlift and the Smith Squat both train the glutes as their primary muscle. The Cable Deadlift uses a cable while the Smith Squat uses a smith machine. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Cable Deadlift | Smith Squat | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | glutes | glutes |
| Body part | upper legs | upper legs |
| Supporting muscles | hamstrings, quadriceps and lower back | quadriceps, hamstrings and calves |
| Equipment | cable | smith machine |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 9 |
How each one starts
Cable Deadlift — first steps
- Stand facing the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bend at the hips and knees, lowering your torso until your back is parallel to the ground.
Smith Squat — first steps
- Set up the smith machine with the barbell at an appropriate height for your squat.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Cable Deadlift keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. The Smith Squat fixes the bar path so you can push close to failure with less balance demand. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the glutes adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Cable Deadlift better than the Smith Squat?
Neither is universally better — both train the glutes as the primary mover. The Cable Deadlift keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion, while the Smith Squat fixes the bar path so you can push close to failure with less balance demand. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Cable Deadlift and the Smith Squat in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the glutes. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Cable Deadlift and the Smith Squat work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the glutes. Supporting muscles differ slightly — hamstrings, quadriceps and lower back for the Cable Deadlift versus quadriceps, hamstrings and calves for the Smith Squat.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.