Smith One Leg Deadlift

The Smith One Leg Deadlift targets the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. This exercise improves balance and unilateral strength.

  1. Set the Smith machine bar to a comfortable height.
  2. Stand on one leg with the other leg slightly behind you.
  3. Grip the bar with both hands, keeping it close to your body.
  4. Lower the bar by bending at the hips while keeping your back straight.
  5. Return to the starting position by extending your hips and standing tall.

How to perform the Smith One Leg Deadlift

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Smith One Leg Deadlift using your smith machine.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your glutes.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your glutes rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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