Romanian Deadlift vs Deadlift
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Romanian Deadlift is the easier place to start — difficulty 3 of 5 vs 4. Compare Back form cues and when to progress.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and Deadlift and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs Deadlift: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Deadlift more often — 15,439 sessions compared to 12,198 for Romanian Deadlift.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and Deadlift 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 Deadlift Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | Deadlift |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 15,439 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 Deadlift
Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Move your hips back while lifting the barbell forward.
- 2. Push against the floor and apply pressure to the center of your feet.
- 3. When you are fully upright, puff out your chest and contract your entire back.
- 4. Move your hips back again and bend your knees to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from rounding.
For a full Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Deadlift exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or Deadlift?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Back, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Romanian Deadlift and Deadlift need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and Deadlift needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Romanian Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Deadlift once your form holds up.
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