The stiff-leg deadlift, also known as straight-leg deadlift is a strength training exercise that engages muscles in your posterior chain, the group of muscles on your backside, including your glutes, calves, lats and hamstrings. So, what exactly is the difference between a stiff-leg deadlift and deadlift?In a stiff-leg deadlift, you start with the Romanian deadlift (RDL) position, with the weight at the waist and then the lifter lowers the weight to the ground. However, when you do a deadlift, the lifter begins by picking up the barbell from the ground. The biggest difference in leg posture between the two deadlifts is that in tiff-leg deadlifts, it require legs to be straight. This posture puts emphasis on the muscles in the lower back and legs and performing the exercise with a stiff leg will allow you to feel a mild stretch. While the range of hip hinge movement remains the same, the stiff-leg deadlift has a shorter range of motion when compared to the conventional deadlift. How To Master It?Grab the barbell with an overhand grip and ensure that your posture is tall with your feet hip or shoulder-width apart and a slight bend in your knees. Ensure that your hips are directly over your shoulders with a neutral head and neck position and chin tucked throughout the movement. Distribute the weight on each foot equally and arms should remain straight with a slight bend in your elbows. this will allow tension in your shoulders, hips, and core. Make sure to inhale and exhale for a while before you begin. Now, hinge your hips allow the bar to move away from your body and keep your knees straight. As you lower down, the barbell should move away from your legs and over your toes. Continue to move down until the bar reaches below your knees or mid-shin. By the end, your shins should be upright, and you should feel the weight in the midfoot and heels of your feet. Make sure your toes are not off the ground. Now, rise upward, maintain a neutral spine, pull the barbell close to your body and move up, push your feet through the floor. Push your hips forward and squeeze your glutes. Keep your arms long, and maintain a neutral arm position. Benefits of Straight Leg DeadliftsIt strengthens the posterior chain. It improves your hamstring flexibility.It enhances your core stability. Increases your bone density. Compared to regular deadlifts, it does not involve much quad activation. It can also improve your jumping, running, and leg press capabilities. Ensuring That It is Done RightIf you have any health condition, consult your physician and trainer before you start this exercise. Always ensure that you are doing it right, bad posture can do you more harm. Select a weight that allows you to have full control of your body throughout the movement. It is also important to warm up and cool down before and after the exercise as without doing so may lead to muscle cramps.