Romanian Deadlift
- Main muscles
- Hamstrings
- Also works
- Calves, Glutes, Lower back
- Equipment
- Barbell
- Level
- Intermediate
- Type
- Compound · Pull
How to do it
- Put a barbell in front of you on the ground and grab it using a pronated (palms facing down) grip that a little wider than shoulder width. Tip: Depending on the weight used, you may need wrist wraps to perform the exercise and also a raised platform in order to allow for better range of motion.
- Bend the knees slightly and keep the shins vertical, hips back and back straight. This will be your starting position.
- Keeping your back and arms completely straight at all times, use your hips to lift the bar as you exhale. Tip: The movement should not be fast but steady and under control.
- Once you are standing completely straight up, lower the bar by pushing the hips back, only slightly bending the knees, unlike when squatting. Tip: Take a deep breath at the start of the movement and keep your chest up. Hold your breath as you lower and exhale as you complete the movement.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Quick answers
- What muscles does the Romanian Deadlift work?
- Mainly the hamstrings, with help from the calves, glutes, lower back.
- What equipment do I need?
- Barbell.
- Is it good for beginners?
- It is rated intermediate level.
- How do I track progress on it?
- Log each set and beat the weight or reps from last time. Liftrung shows your last set beside the next one and estimates your one-rep max from your sets.
More hamstrings exercises
Exercise descriptions: free-exercise-db, public domain.