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Romanian deadlift

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Muscles worked

High load
Hamstrings · Hip extension
Medium load
Glutes · Maximus
Low load
Forearms · Flexors and Lower back

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

How to do it

Stand tall holding the bar at the hips with a soft, fixed knee bend. Push the hips straight back and let the bar travel down the thighs, stopping the moment the hamstrings stop lengthening or the back starts to round. Reverse by driving the hips forward to standing. This is a hinge, not a squat — the range is set by your hamstrings, not by touching the floor.

Form cues

  • Push the hips back, do not squat it
  • Stop when the hamstrings stop lengthening

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

Lower backHip

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.

Harder variants