Smith Machine Stiff-Leg Deadlift
The Smith machine stiff-leg deadlift isolates the hamstrings and glutes with a fixed bar path that removes balance as a limiting factor. Keep your legs nearly straight, hinge forward, and lower the bar down your shins.
How to Perform
Stand close to the bar with feet hip-width apart and a very slight knee bend.
Hinge at the hips and push your butt back as you lower the bar along your legs.
Lower until you feel a deep hamstring stretch — typically mid-shin level.
Drive your hips forward to stand, squeezing the glutes at lockout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Bending the knees too much, which turns it into a Romanian deadlift.
Rounding the lower back during the descent.
Not hinging far enough to achieve a full hamstring stretch.
Muscle Activation
Variations
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