LiftSets / Exercises / Romanian Deadlift
Romanian Deadlift
Works the hamstrings. Helped by the calves, glutes, lower back.


Bright blue is the target muscle. Darker blue is helping. The app shows this as a moving demo.
Muscles worked
hamstringscalvesgluteslower back
How many reps
| Goal | Reps per set |
|---|---|
| Strength | 3-6 |
| Muscle size | 6-10 |
| Endurance | 12-20+ |
Whatever the number, the set should end within a rep or two of the point where you could not do another with good form.
| Kit | barbell |
|---|---|
| Level | intermediate |
What to think about
- Push the hips back, don't bend forward.
- Flat back all the way, bells stay close to the legs.
- Stop where the hamstrings load, not where the floor is.
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.
Other exercises for the hamstrings
- Floor Glute-Ham Raise
- Good Morning
- Good Morning off Pins
- Hanging Bar Good Morning
- Kettlebell One-Legged Deadlift
- Lying Leg Curls
- Natural Glute Ham Raise
- One-Arm Kettlebell Swings
Track it in LiftSets
Log romanian deadlift with last time's numbers in front of you, a rest timer on your lock screen and a graph of your progress.
Coming soon to the App Store