Big Split Dumbbell Stiff-Legged Deadlift For Functional Hamstring Training

This version of the Stiff-Legged Deadlift is going to target the adductors with a wide "split" position as you're doing a dumbbell Stiff-Legged Deadlift type of movement. This hits the glutes strongly as well.

 



 


 

The Stiff-Legged Deadlift is a key exercise for hamstring development but it doesn't fully address adductor development.

 

This exercise is going to hit your hamstrings as well as your adductors strongly.

You can get into position either of two ways.

First, you can set the dumbbells down beside your lead leg, then reach forward and pick them up and get into the start position, or you can pick up the dumbbells in a normal deadlift, then go from the standing position and step forward into the wide split position.

Either way is fine...pick whichever feels best to you.

To do this exercise, you're going to get into the wide split and STAY there for the entire exercise. Essentially, this is like a very big lunge position.

Big Split Dumbbell Stiff-Legged Deadlift Start

Keep your legs locked in that position then lean forward in a sort of stiff-legged deadlift type of movement, keeping your lower back arched and your core tight. Don't lean forward so far that your lower back rounds over but do lean as far forward as you can.

Big Split Dumbbell Stiff-Legged Deadlift Bottom

Hold for a few seconds in this forward position, then use power from your front leg to pull your torso back to the vertical position. This power should come from your hamstrings and glute.

Perform your reps on one side then take a rest before switching to the other side. The reason for this is that both legs will be worked to some degree by holding the split. If you go right into the other leg immediately, you won't be able to achieve the same level of workload.

Big Split Dumbbell Stiff-Legged Deadlift Top

Again, lean forward, keeping your lower back arched.

Big Split Dumbbell Stiff-Legged Deadlift Bottom

Come back up to the vertical position and repeat.

The adductors will be worked very strongly in an isometric fashion by holding your body and legs in this wide split position under load.

For a strength focus on the hamstrings, try the Modified Romanian Stiff Legged Deadlift.

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