Breathing
Inhale and set your trunk before the lowering phase, then exhale as you extend the hips. Reset your breath between controlled repetitions.
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The Romanian Deadlift primarily works the hamstrings, with the calves, glutes and lower back supporting the movement. It is a strength movement performed with barbell.

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Movement instructions
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.
Technique guidance
Inhale and set your trunk before the lowering phase, then exhale as you extend the hips. Reset your breath between controlled repetitions.
General guidance based on the exercise and equipment. It is not personal coaching or medical advice.
Your progress
Keep the same barbell setup, range of motion and recording method when comparing Romanian Deadlift sessions.
Weight, repetitions and completed sets.
Example: 3 sets of 8 reps at 30 kg. Next time, record the actual result, even if it is the same.
Look for more repetitions at the same weight, or a heavier weight for comparable repetitions. Total weight lifted also changes when you add sets, so it is not a strength score.
Read the tracking guideThe examples show how to keep a record. They are not workout targets or a personalised training plan.
See how Jijibisha tracks your progressMuscles
Muscle guide
Hamstrings is the primary muscle group. The lighter highlights show the supporting muscles involved in the movement.
Swap it
Different equipment, same muscle
These movements also target the hamstrings using something else.
Related
Related movements
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