Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift vs Pistol Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift more often — 4,437 sessions vs 86. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift and Pistol Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift vs Pistol Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift more often — 4,437 sessions compared to 86 for Pistol Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift and Pistol Squat differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift and Pistol Squat Differ
| What differs | Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift | Pistol Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,437 sessions | 86 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift
Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Keep the knee joint fixed in an extended position and slowly bend your waist.
- 2. When going down, lower the barbell close to your body.
- 3. Keep your gaze slightly forward.
- 4. Slowly return to the starting position while straightening your back.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your gaze go towards the floor.
- 2. Please be careful not to excessively bend your knees.
- 3. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your back.
For a full Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift exercise guide.
How to Do Pistol Squat
Pistol Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Lower your leg lifted off the ground until it is parallel to the floor.
- 2. As your hips rise, straighten your knees and hip joints in sequence, and return to the starting position.
- 3. Proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to excessively lean your upper body forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Pistol Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pistol Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift or Pistol Squat?
Planfit users log Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift more often — 4,437 sessions against 86 for Pistol Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift and Pistol Squat need?
Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift needs a barbell, and Pistol Squat needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Stiff Leg Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Pistol Squat once your form holds up.
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