Romanian Deadlift

The barbell stiff-legged deadlift targets the hamstrings, glutes, lower and upper back, as well as the core. It is a popular accessory movement for the deadlift, but also a muscle-building hamstring movement.

Benefits

  1. Stretches and engages the hamstrings and lower back to a greater degree than a bent knee position
  2. Also works the calves, quads, and forearms indirectly
  3. The barbell variation allows for heavier loading than with dumbbells
  4. Can use straps if grip is a limitation
8.1
Average

Romanian Deadlift Images

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Romanian Deadlift Instructions

Romanian Deadlift muscle diagram
  1. Hold a bar at hip level with a pronated (palms facing down) grip. Your shoulders should be back, your back arched, and your knees slightly bent. This will be your starting position.
  2. Lower the bar by moving your butt back as far as you can. Keep the bar close to your body, your head looking forward, and your shoulders back. Done correctly, you should reach the maximum range of your hamstring flexibility just below the knee. Any further movement will be compensation and should be avoided for this movement.
  3. At the bottom of your range of motion, return the starting position by driving the hips forward to stand up tall.