Exercise The Right Way - The Stiff-Leg Deadlift

Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises, mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted, especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that constitute the core of most bodybuilders' training regimes.

It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the better.

In this article we'll take a close look at the stiff-leg deadlift.

MUSCLES TARGETED: gluteus maximus, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, erector spinae

STARTING POSITION

Grasp the bar with a closed pronated grip.
Grip should be roughly shoulder width.
Assume a hip width stance with the knees slightly flexed and the toes pointing straight ahead.
Stand erect with the bar touching the front of the thighs and the elbows extended.

DOWNWARD MOVEMENT

Allow the torso to slowly flex forward and the bar to lower to the floor.
Keep the knees slightly flexed and the torso in a flat back position.
Lower the bar until the weights touch the floor.

UPWARD MOVEMENT

Extend the hips and torso.
Keep the knees slightly flexed and the torso in a flat back position.
Repeat or finish set.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

They Dont Know Squat!

There seems to be much confusion amongst trainers and trainees... Read More

Clothes and Shoes and Stretching

Now that we have a trainer, our next concern is... Read More

Choosing The Right Bodybuilding Supplement

Before wasting your money on a pile of bodybuilding supplements... Read More

The Importance Of Creatine In Building Lean Muscle

Creatine monohydrate can rightly lay claim to being the most... Read More

The Role Of Whey Protein In Achieving Significant Muscle Gain

Most bodybuilders would agree that supplementing with whey protein is... Read More

The Role Of L-Glutamine In Building Muscle

L-glutamine remains the supplement of choice for many bodybuilders. It... Read More

Can Growth Hormone Boosters Enhance Muscle Growth?

Many experts feel that supplementation with growth hormones offers exciting... Read More

What Causes Muscle Growth?

In order for muscles to grow, three things are required:... Read More

The Role Of Repetitions In Your Muscle Building Program

Repetitions are the basic building blocks of any strength or... Read More

The Importance Of Sets In Your Muscle Building Program

In an earlier article we looked at how repetitions contribute... Read More

How Long Should You Rest Between Muscle Building Sessions?

In an earlier article we concluded that muscles must be... Read More

Creating An Anabolic State That Supports Muscle Growth

You can only build muscle if your body is in... Read More

Add Intensity To Your Muscle Building Workout

One of the biggest difficulties facing bodybuilders is how can... Read More

Increase Your Training Intensity - Training To Failure

You can only build muscle tissue if you can generate... Read More

Increase Your Training Intensity - Pre-Exhaustion

You can only build muscle tissue if you can generate... Read More

Increase Your Training Intensity - Forced Repetitions

You can only build muscle tissue if you can generate... Read More

Increase Your Training Intensity - Negative Repetitions

You can only build muscle tissue if you can generate... Read More

Increase Your Training Intensity - Partial Repetitions

You can only build muscle tissue if you can generate... Read More

The Facts About Anabolic Steroids

Anyone involved in the world of bodybuilding, and competitive sport... Read More

The Health Risks Associated With The Use Of Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are classed as illegal drugs and are banned... Read More

Are Prohormones A Safe Alternative To Anabolic Steroids?

Steroid prohormones such as androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have become... Read More

Is Your Muscle Building Potential Limited By Your Genes?

It is clear that certain traits are handed down to... Read More

Know Your Muscles - The Mid-Section

Becoming familiar with the muscles that make up your body... Read More

Know Your Muscles - The Chest And Upper Back

Becoming familiar with the muscles that make up your body... Read More

Know Your Muscles - The Shoulders And Arms

Becoming familiar with the muscles that make up your body... Read More