Straight Leg Deadlift

If the stiff legged deadlift was performed standing on one leg, and using the "floating leg" in the back as a moving lever counter balancing the forward lean of the torso - does this not allow for more control over what happens (flexion) in the lower back. Personally I find this to be a great alternative and feel no stress in the lower back area but rather contraction in that area.

Good article! I see many people in the gym lowering massive weights dangerously low and can't help but wonder how their lumbar is going to feel the next day. Unfortunately, lower back spasms often aren't felt until 12 - 24 hours later. I think part of the problem is calling them "straight" leg deadlifts instead of "relatively stiff with a 10-degree bend" deadlift (I realize that's a little wordy!). After a few sets of barbell lunges and leg curls, I perform stiff-legged deadlifts with dumbbells. I'm 6' 3" tall with extremely long legs and tight hamstrings. As long as I start from a standing position, lower only as much as I can while maintaining a neutral spine position, and concentrate on pushing my butt back while grazing my legs with the dumbbells, I never have a problem. Any opinions on slightly elevating the front of the feet (placing the balls of the feet on a pair of weight plates) while performing this exercise???