Romanian Deadlift

A upper legs exercise targeting the hamstrings, performed with barbell.

Romanian Deadlift demonstration
Romanian Deadlift — demonstration

Body part

Upper Legs

Equipment

Barbell

Target muscles

Hamstrings

Secondary muscles

Calves, Glutes, Lower Back

How to do Romanian Deadlift

  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.

Muscles worked

Primary (target)

Hamstrings

Secondary

CalvesGlutesLower Back

Related exercises

All upper legs exercises →

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