strength · dumbbells / barbell
Romanian Deadlift
The single best hamstring and glute builder for most lifters.
3–4 × 8–10 12 minrest 90s
Equipment
dumbbells, barbell
Rest
90s between sets
Primary muscles
hamstrings, glutes
Also works
lower back, core
How to do it
- Stand holding dumbbells or a barbell in front of your thighs, feet hip-width apart.
- Soften the knees to a small unlocked bend — hold that angle throughout.
- Hinge at the hips, sending your butt straight back.
- Slide the weight down the front of your legs until you feel a strong hamstring stretch (usually below the knee).
- Drive your hips forward to stand tall, squeezing glutes at the top.
Form cues
- ✓Long spine from crown to tailbone
- ✓Bar close to shins
- ✓Feel it in hamstrings and glutes, not lower back
Common mistakes
- ✗Turning it into a squat
- ✗Rounding the lower back
- ✗Hyperextending at the top
Progressions
- Bodyweight hip hinge → dumbbell RDL → barbell RDL → single-leg RDL
