Barbell Romanian Deadlift

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Intermediate
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A standing hip-hinge movement using a barbell that intensely targets the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. It is used to build strength and hypertrophy in the posterior chain.

About Exercise

Equipment

Barbell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Hamstrings, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Traps

Popularity Score

9

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Hamstrings

10/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Lower Back

7/10

Erector Spinae

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Traps

2/10

Upper Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-180 seconds • Rest 60-120 seconds for hypertrophy sets; use longer rest for heavy strength work.

How to Perform

Load a barbell and stand tall, holding it with an overhand grip just outside the hips. Adopt a narrow stance with knees slightly bent and shoulders retracted, maintaining a neutral spine.

  1. Initiate the movement by pushing your hips straight back while maintaining the slight bend in your knees.
  2. Lower the bar smoothly down the thighs, keeping your back flat and chest up.
  3. Stop lowering when you feel a deep stretch in the hamstrings, just before your lower back begins to round.
  4. Drive the hips forward powerfully, squeezing the glutes to return to the upright starting position.
  5. Maintain core tension and a neutral head position throughout the entire repetition.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips back, not down.
  • Keep the bar close.
  • Maintain knee angle.
  • Squeeze glutes at the top.
  • Chest proud.

Breathing

Inhale deeply and brace your core before initiating the descent; exhale forcefully as you drive up to the standing position.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower the bar until the hamstrings are under maximum tension, typically ranging from below the knee cap to mid-shin, without compromising spinal neutrality.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Never allow the lower back to round under load.
  • Start with light weight to master the hip hinge pattern.
  • Use lifting straps if grip failure limits hamstring loading.

Spotting

Not recommended; if required, use safety pins in a rack or use a hook grip/straps to manage grip failure.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the lower back.
  • Bending the knees too much.
  • Letting the bar drift forward.
  • Hyperextending the back at the top.

When to Avoid

  • Acute low back pain or disc injury.
  • Severe limitations in hamstring flexibility.

Flexibility Needed

  • Proficient hip hinge mobility.
  • Adequate hamstring flexibility.

Build Up First

  • Mastery of the hip hinge movement pattern.
  • Solid core bracing technique.

Also known as

Barbell RDL, Romanian Deadlift, Stiff-Legged Deadlift, Barbell Straight Leg Deadlift

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