Should you be swapping your regular deadlifts for Romanian deadlifts?
A strength trainer explains the key differences between traditional and Romanian deadlifts, and how to master both.
Traditional deadlifts are widely considered to be the ultimate posterior strength builder and are one of the most popular compound exercises. Starting with the weight on the floor, conventional deadlifts target your whole body, working everything from your back and trapezius, to your core, to your glutes, quads and hamstrings.
Romanian deadlifts (RDLs), however, are slightly different. To perform one, you’ve got to start off by holding the weight for the move to target the glute and hamstring. They’re all about producing a serious lower body burn.
You may also like
How to do a deadlift correctly to work your entire body
What is the difference between traditional and Romanian deadlifts?
“The key differences between RDLS and conventional deadlifts are the way they are performed and the muscles they work,” Abigail Skipper, a personal trainer at online fitness hub Ponzu, tells Stylist.
“To put it simply, the conventional deadlift involves lifting a weight up off the floor using your legs and putting it down again. Whereas the RDL starts from a standing position with the weight hanging below your waist against your thighs and ends just below the knee around shin level.”
You may also like
Romanian deadlift: this progression helps reduce back pain while strengthening hamstrings and glutes
“Although they are both hip hinge movements the RDL requires only a slight bend in the knees, engaging more of the posterior chain muscles such as the hamstrings and glutes. The deadlift on the other hand starts much lower down as you lift the weight from the floor so you have to initiate the movement by activating your quads and back first before your hamstrings and glutes.”
But is one type of deadlift really better than the other?
Of course, it all depends on your goals, strengths, and any physical limitations, as well as which type feels most comfortable to you.
Some trainers advise prioritising and mastering Romanian deadlifts first to build up their hip, hamstring, and lower back mechanics. Without this strength, beginners may pull with their traps and upper body rather than in a hip-hinge movement, which can lead to injury.
You may also like
What muscles do deadlifts work? Expert trainers why deadlifting is so good for you
How to ensure good form when deadlifting
Skipper stresses that no matter the variation you are completing, good, safe form is key to performing deadlifts.
“To protect your back, always maintain a straight back and neutral neck with your shoulders down, away from your ears. Keep the barbell close to your legs throughout the movement as if you were shaving your legs with it,” she advises.
“As you finish each rep, stand straight at the top of your deadlift and avoid overextending your lower back.”
You may also like
Single leg deadlifts strengthen and stretch your hamstrings while building stability
Other deadlift variations
But the options for deadlifts don’t end there. Stiff-legged deadlifts work your core strength and calves more than conventional ones and are easily completed with dumbbells, making them perfect for home workouts.
“Some of my favourite variations include the landmine single leg RDL, the staggered RDL and the sumo deadlift,” shares Skipper.
“Not only are there so many wonderful variations of the deadlift you can also use a variety of kit like kettlebells, dumbbells, resistance bands and, of course, a barbell.”
For more strength training tips and variations, check out Strong Women Training Club’s archive of workout videos.
Images: Getty
Source: Read Full Article
