How to Do the Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift

Beginner · Machine · Targets Hamstrings, Glutes, Lower Back

Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift demonstration
💪 Hamstrings, Glutes, Lower Back🏋️ Machine📊 Beginner🏷️ Strength

How to perform it

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

The Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift primarily targets your Hamstrings, with support from your Glutes, Lower Back. You'll need machine.

Make it count toward your goal

Random sets rarely move the needle. In NYUS, the Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift slots into a plan built for your goal — sets, reps and progression auto-suggested, logged in two taps, and folded into a weekly review that adapts what comes next.

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