Romanian Deadlift vs Back Extension Machine
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions vs 334. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and Back Extension Machine and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs Back Extension Machine: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions compared to 334 for Back Extension Machine.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and Back Extension Machine differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Romanian Deadlift and Back Extension Machine Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | Back Extension Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 334 sessions |
How to Do Romanian Deadlift
Romanian Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Lower the barbell vertically to just below your knees while keeping it attached to your body.
- 2. As you go down, let your hips move back first and naturally bend your knees.
- 3. When coming up, straighten your knees first and bring your hips forward.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let the barbell come away from your body.
- 2. Keep your arms straight so that your elbows do not bend.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Romanian Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Romanian Deadlift exercise guide.
How to Do Back Extension Machine
Back Extension Machine Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please push the equipment using your core strength.
- 2. Please return to the starting position while maintaining core strength to avoid bending your waist.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lose tension in your core throughout the exercise.
- 2. Please keep your chest open to avoid rounding your back.
For a full Back Extension Machine guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Back Extension Machine exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or Back Extension Machine?
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions against 334 for Back Extension Machine. Both train Back, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Romanian Deadlift and Back Extension Machine need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and Back Extension Machine needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Romanian Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Back Extension Machine once your form holds up.
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