Romanian Deadlift

Romanian Deadlift

Type: Compound Muscle: Hamstrings Equipment: Barbell

A hip-dominant deadlift variation that focuses on the hamstrings and glutes while minimizing knee involvement.

See all exercises

This exercise targets:

Hamstrings
Hamstrings
Adductors
Glutes
Lower Back

Ratios are approximate and can vary depending on form and technique.

How to perform

  1. Stand hip-width with the bar over midfoot; keep a slight bend in your knees
  2. Grip just outside your thighs; brace your core and pull shoulders down/back (set your lats)
  3. Lift to standing to start the set; keep a neutral spine and gaze ahead
  4. Hinge by pushing your hips back; shins stay mostly vertical and knee bend stays the same
  5. Lower the bar close to your legs to just below knees or mid-shin until you feel a hamstring stretch; back flat
  6. Drive hips forward to stand tall; squeeze glutes at the top without leaning back
  7. Keep the bar close and path vertical; avoid rounding, bouncing, or turning it into a squat