Stiff Leg Deadlift: How To + (video)

Are you tired of doing the same old squats and lunges to work out your glutes and hamstrings? Have you ever heard of the stiff-leg deadlift?

The stiff leg deadlift is a great exercise to add to your workout routine if you’re looking to target your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. However, many people shy away from this exercise because they believe it’s too difficult or they don’t know how to do it properly.

Despite its intimidating name, the stiff leg deadlift is a fantastic exercise that can help you build strength, improve your form, and prevent injury. In this article, we’ll break down the proper technique for performing this exercise and provide some tips on how to incorporate it into your workout routine.

Contents

How To Perform Stiff Leg Deadlift

A. Starting Position

Stand with feet hip-width apart: Begin by standing with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointing forward, and the barbell resting on the floor in front of you.

Place hands on the bar with a pronated grip: Reach down and grab the bar with a pronated grip (palms facing down), hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.

Maintain a neutral spine: Before lifting the bar, ensure that your back is straight and your core is engaged, with your shoulders pulled back and down.

B. Movement

Hinge at the hips and lower the bar down the legs: Keeping your back straight, hinge at the hips and lower the bar down your legs, maintaining a slight bend in your knees. Be sure to keep the bar close to your body throughout the movement.

Keep the knees slightly bent and the back straight: As you lower the bar down your legs, keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight to prevent rounding or arching.

Feel the stretch in the hamstrings and glutes: As you lower the bar down, you should feel a stretch in your hamstrings and glutes.

Pull the bar back up to the starting position: Once you have lowered the bar as far as you can while maintaining proper form, pull the bar back up to the starting position by driving your hips forward and squeezing your glutes. Exhale as you come back up.

Stiff Leg Deadlif

Common Mistakes Of Stiff Leg Deadlift

To ensure proper form and technique, it’s important to avoid the following common mistakes:

  • Rounding the back – rounding your back during the exercise can place excessive stress on your lower back and may lead to injury. Be sure to keep your back straight and maintain a neutral spine throughout the entire movement.
  • Locking out the knees – locking out your knees can cause hyperextension and increase the risk of injury. Instead, keep your knees slightly bent to maintain a safe range of motion.
  • Using too much weight – using too much weight can compromise your form and lead to injury. Start with a light weight and gradually increase the weight as you progress.
  • Improper grip – using an improper grip can cause the bar to slip out of your hands and lead to injury. Make sure to use a pronated grip and grip the bar tightly.

Variations Of Stiff Leg Deadlift

There are several variations of the stiff leg deadlift that you can incorporate into your exercise routine to target different muscle groups and add variety to your workouts:

A. Romanian Deadlift

This variation is similar to the stiff leg deadlift, but the knees are slightly bent. This modification allows for a greater range of motion and places more emphasis on the hamstrings and glutes.

To perform a Romanian deadlift, start in the same position as a stiff leg deadlift and hinge at the hips while bending your knees slightly. Keep your back straight and lower the bar down your legs until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings. Return to the starting position by contracting your hamstrings and glutes.

B. Sumo Deadlift

This variation involves a wider stance and a neutral grip. The sumo deadlift targets the inner thighs and glutes to a greater degree than the traditional stiff leg deadlift. To perform a sumo deadlift, stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and your toes pointed outward.

Position your hands on the bar with a neutral grip, and hinge at the hips while keeping your back straight. Lower the bar down your legs while driving your knees outward. Return to the starting position by contracting your inner thighs and glutes.

C. Single-Leg Deadlift 

This variation is performed with one leg, which challenges your balance and stability while targeting your hamstrings, glutes, and core. To perform a single-leg deadlift, stand on one leg with a slight bend in your knee.

Hold the bar with both hands and hinge at the hips while keeping your back straight. Lower the bar down your leg while lifting the opposite leg behind you. Return to the starting position by contracting your hamstrings and glutes.

D. Deficit Stiff Leg Deadlift

The Deficit Stiff Leg Deadlift involves standing on a raised platform, like boxes, and lowering the weight down below the level of the platform. This variation of the stiff-legged deadlift puts more emphasis on the hamstrings and glutes while requiring more range of motion.

Tips For Success

To ensure success with the stiff leg deadlift, follow these tips:

  • Start with light weight – it’s important to start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form and technique. Gradually increase the weight as you progress.
  • Focus on form and technique – proper form and technique are crucial to avoid injury and maximize the benefits. Focus on maintaining a neutral spine, keeping your knees slightly bent, and feeling the stretch in your hamstrings and glutes.
  • Progress gradually – don’t rush to increase the weight or repetitions. Progress gradually and listen to your body to avoid injury and ensure long-term progress.
  • Incorporate into a well-rounded exercise program – the stiff leg deadlift is a great exercise, but it’s important to incorporate it into a well-rounded exercise program that targets all major muscle groups. This can include exercises such as squats, lunges, and upper body exercises.

Stiff Leg Deadlif

Wrapping Up

The stiff leg deadlift is a great exercise for targeting the hamstrings, glutes, lower back, and core. By following the proper technique and avoiding common mistakes, you can maximize the benefits of this exercise while avoiding injury. Additionally, incorporating variations and following the tips for success can help you progress and achieve your fitness goals. So go ahead and give the stiff leg deadlift a try and see the difference it can make in your strength training routine!

4.4/5 - (5 votes)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Robert Carter
Robert Carter
Robert is a passionate sports fan and writer who covers the latest news and events in the world of sports. He has been a regular contributor to ballercircuit.com, where he shares his insights and analysis on the latest developments in the world of sports.

More Like This

5-Ingredient Chicken Salad Recipes: Delicious and Easy Meals!

Chicken salad is a popular dish that has gained immense popularity among food enthusiasts and individuals seeking quick and easy meal options. With today's...

How to Get Rid of Neck Fat: 7 Effective Exercises You Need to Try!

Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your neck fat? Do you avoid certain clothing styles because they accentuate your double chin or fat...

Best Dip Bars – (TOP 5)

Dip bars are an essential piece of equipment for anyone looking to strengthen their upper body and core. These bars are often used in...

Best Sit Up Benches (TOP 10)

If you're looking to improve your core strength, you may have considered purchasing a sit-up bench. These benches are designed to help you perform...

Best Pec Deck Machine + How To Use

The chest is one of the most important muscle groups in the body, and training it effectively requires the right equipment. A pec deck...

Best Pull Up Bar Stand

A pull-up bar stand is an essential piece of equipment for anyone looking to build strength, improve their fitness level, and develop a muscular...

Best Lifting Straps

If you're serious about your weightlifting routines, you know that the grip is as important as the form. Do you often find that your...

Best Liquid Chalk for Lifting

When it comes to lifting weights, grip strength is an essential component of the workout. Without a strong grip, it can be difficult to...

Does Creatine Expire?

Creatine is a popular dietary supplement used by athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts to improve athletic performance and increase muscle mass. It is a...

1000 Calorie Meal – (TOP 10) Ideas

Are you looking for healthy and satisfying meal ideas that won't tip your calorie count over 1000? Striking a balance between taste and nutrition...

Latest Posts