03/05/2020
Since we have a few lifters doing Stiff Leg Deadlifts for the first time in their new training blocks, here's a video going over the set up and ex*****on of this deadlift variation.
The SLDL set up has one key difference from the regular conventional deadlift: we skip step 3 in the traditional 5 step set up, and do not bring our shins to the bar. This keeps the back angle more horizontal and leaves the hamstrings stretched more at the bottom of the lift, giving both of those muscle groups more work to do while being less mechanically efficient than our usual deadlifts, which works keep the weight on the bar (and overall fatigue) lower.
First you want to line the bar up with the middle of your foot, about an inch away from the shins. The stance should be relatively narrow, 4-8 inches apart with the feet at same width as your hips.
Next you'll grab the bar just outside your legs and grip tightly. From this point on you have to keep your grip on the bar.
Now we'll keep our shins vertical, and with a tight grip on the bar, pull the chest+shoulders up while pressing our abs down to the floor, which will get the back to go from a rounded position to flat. Once your back is tight and hamstrings stretched, you can drive through the legs to get the bar moving in a straight line off the floor. The bar will make contact with the legs again right above the knee, and you'll stand up with hips+knees fully extended and shoulders back to complete each rep.