Romanian Deadlift vs Dumbbell Deadlift
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions vs 4,231. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and Dumbbell Deadlift and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs Dumbbell Deadlift: 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 4,231 for Dumbbell Deadlift.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and Dumbbell 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 Dumbbell Deadlift Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | Dumbbell Deadlift |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 4,231 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 Dumbbell Deadlift
Dumbbell Deadlift Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. First, push your hips back while naturally bending your knees to go down.
- 2. When coming up, straighten your knees first while keeping your weight centered on the soles of your feet, and then bring your hips forward.
- 3. When you are fully upright, open your chest and contract your entire back.
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 Dumbbell Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Deadlift exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or Dumbbell Deadlift?
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions against 4,231 for Dumbbell Deadlift. 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 Dumbbell Deadlift need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Deadlift needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Romanian Deadlift once your form holds up.
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