Romanian Deadlift

HamstringsBarbellIntermediateCompound
Romanian Deadlift — start position
Start
Romanian Deadlift — finish position
Finish
Muscles worked
PrimaryHamstrings
SecondaryCalves, Glutes, Lower back

How to do it

  1. 01

    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.

  2. 02

    Bend the knees slightly and keep the shins vertical, hips back and back straight. This will be your starting position.

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    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.

  5. 05

    Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

In the app

Romanian Deadlift appears when you own a barbell and the day's window has room for it. Loads come from Rule 3 (Loads rise when earned, read from RPE, graded strong) and climb on the reps you actually did.

If a machine is taken the engine swaps a same-pattern movement and says why.

If you don't have a barbell

Same movement pattern, same primary muscles — swap by what you have.

With barbell
With kettlebell
With bands

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