Breathing
Inhale and set your trunk before the lowering phase, then exhale as you extend the hips. Reset your breath between controlled repetitions.
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The Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift primarily works the hamstrings, with the glutes and lower back supporting the movement. It is a strength movement performed with machine.

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Movement instructions
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.
Technique guidance
Inhale and set your trunk before the lowering phase, then exhale as you extend the hips. Reset your breath between controlled repetitions.
General guidance based on the exercise and equipment. It is not personal coaching or medical advice.
Your progress
Keep the same machine setup, range of motion and recording method when comparing Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift sessions.
Weight, repetitions and completed sets.
Example: 3 sets of 8 reps at 30 kg. Next time, record the actual result, even if it is the same.
Look for more repetitions at the same weight, or a heavier weight for comparable repetitions. Total weight lifted also changes when you add sets, so it is not a strength score.
Read the tracking guideThe examples show how to keep a record. They are not workout targets or a personalised training plan.
See how Jijibisha tracks your progressMuscles
Muscle guide
Hamstrings is the primary muscle group. The lighter highlights show the supporting muscles involved in the movement.
Swap it
Different equipment, same muscle
These movements also target the hamstrings using something else.
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