TETSUBarbell Straight Leg Deadlift vs Single Leg Platform Slide
The Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift and the Single Leg Platform Slide both train the hamstrings as their primary muscle. The Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift uses a barbell while the Single Leg Platform Slide is bodyweight-based (a bar, rings or a station). Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift | Single Leg Platform Slide | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | hamstrings | hamstrings |
| Body part | upper legs | upper legs |
| Supporting muscles | glutes and lower back | glutes and quadriceps |
| Equipment | barbell | bodyweight |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 5 |
How each one starts
Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift — first steps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing forward.
- Hold the barbell with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Single Leg Platform Slide — first steps
- Start by standing with one foot on a platform or slide board.
- Bend your knee slightly and slide the foot on the platform backward, extending your leg.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps. The Single Leg Platform Slide needs only a sturdy bar, rings or a station and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the hamstrings adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift better than the Single Leg Platform Slide?
Neither is universally better — both train the hamstrings as the primary mover. The Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift lets you load the heaviest weights and progress in small, steady jumps, while the Single Leg Platform Slide needs only a sturdy bar, rings or a station and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift and the Single Leg Platform Slide in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the hamstrings. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift and the Single Leg Platform Slide work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the hamstrings. Supporting muscles differ slightly — glutes and lower back for the Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift versus glutes and quadriceps for the Single Leg Platform Slide.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.