Mighty Logo
Mighty
← Back to library
Last updated March 5, 2026
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Band)
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsLatsLower BackTeres MajorTrapezius

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Band)

Stand on a band holding the ends. Hinge your hips back while keeping your back flat. Feel a deep stretch in your hamstrings before standing up.

Quick facts

Level
Beginner
Mechanic
Compound
Force
Pull
Type
Strength
Injury Risk
Low
Hypertrophy
Low
Calorie Burn
Medium

Muscle focus

Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.

Primary

Hamstrings

Secondary

Glutes (max)

Equipment & setup

What you need and how to position yourself before starting.

Equipment

Resistance Band

Movement pattern

Bilateral

Posture

Standing

Tracking parameters

repsweight

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart, holding a resistance band with both hands.
    • Place the band under your feet and hold the ends with your hands, keeping your arms straight.
  2. Step 2Position Your Body
    • Hinge at your hips and bend slightly at your knees, keeping your back straight and core engaged.
    • Ensure that your chest is up and your gaze is forward to maintain proper alignment.
  3. Step 3Engage Your Core
    • Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine throughout the movement.
    • Keep your shoulders back and down, avoiding any rounding of your upper back.
  4. Step 4Lift
    • Push through your heels and extend your hips forward to lift your torso back to standing position.
    • Keep the band taut as you lift, feeling the tension in your hamstrings and glutes.
  5. Step 5Lower
    • Hinge at your hips again to lower your torso back down, maintaining a straight back.
    • Control the movement as you lower, ensuring the band remains taut throughout.
  6. Step 6Repeat
    • Perform the lift and lower for the desired number of repetitions, focusing on maintaining good form.
  7. Step 7Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your reps, carefully stand upright and release the band.
    • Take a moment to stretch your hamstrings and lower back after the exercise.

Alternatives & variations

Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.

View all exercises
Box Squat (Barbell)

Box Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)

Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)

Quads
Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)

Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Deadlift (Barbell)

Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)

Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Deadlift (Dumbbell)

Deadlift (Dumbbell)

Hamstrings
Deadlift (Kettlebell)

Deadlift (Kettlebell)

Hamstrings
Deadlift (Smith)

Deadlift (Smith)

Hamstrings
Deadlift - (Trap Bar)

Deadlift - (Trap Bar)

Quads
Goblet Squat (Cable)

Goblet Squat (Cable)

Quads
Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)

Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)

Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)

Quads
Good Morning (Barbell)

Good Morning (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Hack Squat

Hack Squat

Quads
Hack Squat (Barbell)

Hack Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Hack Squat (Smith)

Hack Squat (Smith)

Quads
Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)

Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust (Smith)

Hip Thrust (Smith)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)

Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Landmine Deadlift

Landmine Deadlift

Hamstrings
Lateral Lunge (Barbell)

Lateral Lunge (Barbell)

Quads
Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)

Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)

Quads
Leg Curl - Lying (Machine)

Leg Curl - Lying (Machine)

Hamstrings
Leg Curl - Seated (Machine)

Leg Curl - Seated (Machine)

Hamstrings
Leg Curl - Standing (Machine)

Leg Curl - Standing (Machine)

Hamstrings
Lunge (Barbell)

Lunge (Barbell)

Quads
Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)

Quads
Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)

Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)

Quads
Pause Deadlift (Barbell)

Pause Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Pull Through (Cable)

Pull Through (Cable)

Glutes (max)
Pull Through (Cable: Rope)

Pull Through (Cable: Rope)

Glutes (max)
Rear Decline Bridge

Rear Decline Bridge

Glutes (max)
Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)

Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Shuttle (Band)

Resistance Shuttle (Band)

Quads
Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)

Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)

Quads
Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)

Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)

Quads
Romanian Deadlift (RDL) (Barbell)

Romanian Deadlift (RDL) (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Squat (Band)

Squat (Band)

Quads
Squat (Barbell)

Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Squat (Smith)

Squat (Smith)

Quads
Squat - Wide (Barbell)

Squat - Wide (Barbell)

Quads
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Dumbbell) v2

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Dumbbell) v2

Hamstrings
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)

Hamstrings
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)

Hamstrings
Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)

Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)

Quads
Sumo Deadlift (Smith)

Sumo Deadlift (Smith)

Quads
Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)

Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Sumo Squat (Barbell)

Sumo Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)

Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)

Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)

Quads
Swing (Kettlebell)

Swing (Kettlebell)

Glutes (max)
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025