Exercise library / Hamstrings

Romanian Deadlift

Main muscles
Hamstrings
Also works
Calves, Glutes, Lower back
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound · Pull

How to do it

  1. 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. Bend the knees slightly and keep the shins vertical, hips back and back straight. This will be your starting position.
  3. 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. 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. 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.