Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift
- Main muscles
- Hamstrings
- Also works
- Glutes, Lower back
- Equipment
- Machine
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Compound · Pull
How to do it
- To begin, set the bar on the smith machine to a height that is around the middle of your thighs. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, grasp the bar using a pronated (palms forward) grip that is shoulder width apart. You may need some wrist wraps if using a significant amount of weight.
- Lift the bar up by fully extending your arms while keeping your back straight. Stand with your torso straight and your legs spaced using a shoulder width or narrower stance. The knees should be slightly bent. This is your starting position.
- Keeping the knees stationary, lower the barbell to over the top of your feet by bending at the waist while keeping your back straight. Keep moving forward as if you were going to pick something from the floor until you feel a stretch on the hamstrings. Exhale as you perform this movement
- Start bringing your torso up straight again as soon as you feel the hamstrings stretch by extending your hips and waist until you are back at the starting position. Inhale as you perform this movement.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Quick answers
- What muscles does the Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift work?
- Mainly the hamstrings, with help from the glutes, lower back.
- What equipment do I need?
- Machine.
- Is it good for beginners?
- Yes, it is rated beginner level.
- How do I track progress on it?
- Log each set and beat the weight or reps from last time. Liftrung shows your last set beside the next one and estimates your one-rep max from your sets.
More hamstrings exercises
- Glute Ham Raise
- Lying Leg Curls
- Reverse Hyperextension
- Seated Leg Curl
- Smith Machine Hang Power Clean
- Standing Leg Curl
Exercise descriptions: free-exercise-db, public domain.