Romanian Deadlift vs Rack Pull
Which one fits your Back workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions vs 766. Compare Back form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Romanian Deadlift and Rack Pull and pick the one that fits your Back workout.
Romanian Deadlift vs Rack Pull: 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 766 for Rack Pull.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Romanian Deadlift and Rack Pull 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 Rack Pull Differ
| What differs | Romanian Deadlift | Rack Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 12,198 sessions | 766 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 Rack Pull
Rack Pull Muscles Worked: Back
Form
- 1. Please pull the barbell towards your belly button so that it can go up vertically.
- 2. While gathering your shoulder blades, naturally pull your elbows and hands.
- 3. While supporting the weight with your back strength, slowly lower the barbell onto the rack.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your elbows flare out.
- 2. Please be careful not to overly straighten your back or move it up and down.
- 3. Engage your core to prevent your back from rounding.
For a full Rack Pull guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Rack Pull exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Back, Romanian Deadlift or Rack Pull?
Planfit users log Romanian Deadlift more often — 12,198 sessions against 766 for Rack Pull. 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 Rack Pull need?
Romanian Deadlift needs a barbell, and Rack Pull needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Romanian Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Rack Pull once your form holds up.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.
