Three-time World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Tom Stoltman has been rebuilding his deadlift with cues from his new coach, Aaron Caseley. In mid-June 2025, Stoltman shared three accessory exercises with simple programming for lifters of all levels:
3 Deadlift Accessories
- Romanian Deadlifts
- Kroc Rows
- Pulldowns
- Bonus: Back Extensions
Focus on volume and technique, as Stoltman reminded:
Volume builds strength, muscle, and muscular endurance.
—Tom Stoltman (1)
Although load is the most dominant factor in strength progression. Hypertrophy is best achieved using rep ranges greater than or equal to approximately 30% of one’s one-rep-max, though moderate rep zones are optimal. Moderate rep ranges help joints recover from high-load training. (2)
Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs)
“RDLs help with deadlift power,” Stoltman stated. RDLs train all the muscles used during conventional deadlifts, but are less taxing. They emphasize stretch, greater hip isolation, and minimal knee involvement, which is excellent for total body hypertrophy and enhancing lockouts.
Stoltman recommends starting with three sets of 10 reps and then slightly increasing weekly volume. Use straps to avoid grip fatigue, and squeeze the glutes to lockout.
Go down as low as you can…then squeeze your glutes when locking out; activate everything.
—Tom Stoltman
Even as an elite strongman, Stoltman struggles to maintain a vertical bar path, which can make or break deadlift performance. To pull in a straight line, set up with the scapula over the bar, and keep the bar over midfoot.
[Related: Your Deadlift Setup Might Be Wrong, Here’s How to Fix It]
Kroc Rows
Kroc rows are heavy unilateral bent-over dumbbell rows for high reps with some body English, if needed. They can add strength and mass to the lats and rhomboids. The upper back is responsible for spinal alignment and load distribution.
Don’t try to be a hero without straps…grip will go first.
—Tom Stoltman
Stoltman recommended three sets of 10 reps, or two sets of 15 reps per side. Rest two minutes between sets, increase the weight, and repeat.
Lat Pulldowns
The lats help stabilize the bar and torso during pulldowns, which are more practical than pull-ups. Focus on tempo and the full range of motion; “Four seconds down, pause, four seconds up,” Stoltman advised. While inconclusive, research suggests faster concentrics enhance strength, slower eccentrics promote hypertrophy. (3)
Bonus: Back Extensions
Though back extensions, which isolate the erector spinae and glutes, aren’t what most would consider a strongman accessory, Stoltman argued, “Many don’t do them because they’re brutal, [but they] bulletproof the lower back.”
Building lumbar extensor strength helps prevent injury. Start with body weight for three sets of six to 10 reps. Progressively add resistance by holding weight plates or increasing volume.
References
- Lasevicius T, Ugrinowitsch C, Schoenfeld BJ, Roschel H, Tavares LD, De Souza EO, Laurentino G, Tricoli V. Effects of different intensities of resistance training with equated volume load on muscle strength and hypertrophy. Eur J Sport Sci. 2018 Jul;18(6):772-780. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2018.1450898. Epub 2018 Mar 22. PMID: 29564973.
- Schoenfeld BJ, Grgic J, Van Every DW, Plotkin DL. Loading Recommendations for Muscle Strength, Hypertrophy, and Local Endurance: A Re-Examination of the Repetition Continuum. Sports (Basel). 2021 Feb 22;9(2):32. doi: 10.3390/sports9020032. PMID: 33671664; PMCID: PMC7927075.
- Wilk M, Zajac A, Tufano JJ. The Influence of Movement Tempo During Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy Responses: A Review. Sports Med. 2021 Aug;51(8):1629-1650. doi: 10.1007/s40279-021-01465-2. Epub 2021 May 27. PMID: 34043184; PMCID: PMC8310485.
Featured image: @tomstoltmanofficial on Instagram
