RDL's vs SLDL's

[ronbrgundy]

Seems like SLDL's are more popular; any reason why?  How often do you switch them out?

[thelamefalsehood]

A lot of people actually do think they are performing a stiff legged deadlift, when in reality they are doing them Romanian style. If I am doing true SLDL, I try not to use to much weight and focus on the hamstring. When I do RDL, I pile the weight on and focus on the lower back, lumbars and lower lats. There are soooo many variants of deadlifts though, they get intertwined in everyday gym lingo and people get easily confused with what they are actually doing.

[YoungBlood]

I prefer doing any RDL or SLDL on the Hack Squat machine....just face into the machine instead of away like you would for a Hack Squat. No pressure on your back at all.

[TrapsMcLats]

A lot of people actually do think they are performing a stiff legged deadlift, when in reality they are doing them Romanian style. If I am doing true SLDL, I try not to use to much weight and focus on the hamstring. When I do RDL, I pile the weight on and focus on the lower back, lumbars and lower lats. There are soooo many variants of deadlifts though, they get intertwined in everyday gym lingo and people get easily confused with what they are actually doing.

Its funny, cuz I have good hammies (years of being a sprinter help too), but people have told me "hey, you could be using a lot more weight on those..." and they just don't understand that Im hitting my hamstrings, and not my ego.

[Hulkotron]

I agree Traps.  I hardly ever see anyone doing SLDLs.  When I do it's usually a chick with a pre-loaded 35-pound barbell (but usually a great ass) or a guy pulling 365 with shit form.

[TrapsMcLats]

I agree Traps.  I hardly ever see anyone doing SLDLs.  When I do it's usually a chick with a pre-loaded 35-pound barbell (but usually a great ass) or a guy pulling 365 with shit form.

I'll routinely use as little as the preloaded 50lbs barbell at the end of a leg workout for sldl's.  Its amazing   (and i wish more lifters would listen to me on this) how great of a workout you can get when you use less weight, feel the muslce, and use proper form... ESPECIALLY for a lift like this. 

[benchmstr]

i have never thought much of stiff legged.......if your going to do deadlifts, then do fucking dealifts.....

bench

[TrapsMcLats]

i have never thought much of stiff legged.......if your going to do deadlifts, then do fucking dealifts.....

bench

stiff legs isolate the hammys really well, hard to beat.

[Hulkotron]

Yes, easily the best hamstring exercise imho.

[TrapsMcLats]

Yes, easily the best hamstring exercise imho.

throw in some sprints once a month and i gaurantee you'll see some growth/improvement

[jpm101]

SLDL's are one of my favorite exercises. Though, at times, I prefer Romanian DL's as having  a better focus on the hams. Also hits the lower back better, for me anyway.. Throwing GM'ing into the mix of 3 great exercises for exceptional ham, glute and lower back work. Take your pick and see what works for you.

 The regular DL and squat can improve, almost overnight, when these movements are done with serious intent.  Would still suggest adding a regular ham curling exercise, to follow the function of the ham's themselves. Like standing leg curls. Or lying face down on a bench, have someone wrap a towel, belt, etc, around the ankles and have them apply resistance as you curl your legs up. Can also use negative force, resisting all the way back down to the starting position. Exceptional movement. Good Luck. .

[WOOO]

i have never thought much of stiff legged.......if your going to do deadlifts, then do fucking dealifts.....

bench

agreed...

[benchmstr]

agreed...

most of the people doing stiff legs dont need to be doing them anyway.......they need to focus on actually making a leg before picking what parts they want to stand out...

bench

[Hulkotron]

These days at my gym I'm impressed when I see someone doing a leg workout at all, never mind what exercise it is.