Exercise technique

barbell romanian deadlift

The barbell Romanian deadlift is a strength exercise targeting the glutes, with secondary emphasis on the hamstrings and lower back. It involves hinging at the hips while maintaining a straight back, lowering a barbell to feel a stretch in the hamstrings, and then returning to a standing position.

How do you perform this exercise?

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing forward.
  2. Hold the barbell with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  3. Bend at the hips, keeping your back straight and your knees slightly bent.
  4. Lower the barbell towards the ground, keeping it close to your body.
  5. Feel the stretch in your hamstrings as you lower the barbell.
  6. Once you feel a stretch in your hamstrings, push your hips forward and stand up straight.
  7. Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement.
  8. Lower the barbell back down to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Which other muscles are involved?

Hamstrings, Lower back.

Which programs include it?

How do you log your sets?

How do you track progressive overload?

Source: ExerciseDB catalogue and demonstration. Related movements are options to compare, not equivalent loads or a prescribed progression.

Alternatives to explore

STARK is a strength training tracker for iPhone and Apple Watch. Log sets, repetitions and weights, then follow your progress. Core features are free. Explore STARK’s features