How to perform Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift with proper form

Starting Position

  1. Feet: Stand hip-width apart with a slight bend in your knees.
  2. Dumbbells: Hold a dumbbell in each hand, arms fully extended at your sides.
  3. Posture: Keep your chest up and shoulders back.

Execution

  1. Hip Hinge: Push your hips back while maintaining a slight bend in your knees.
  2. Lower the Dumbbells: Lower the dumbbells along your legs, keeping them close to your body. Your torso should lean forward, creating a straight line from head to hips.
  3. Depth: Lower until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings, ideally until your torso is parallel to the floor.
  4. Return: Push through your heels and drive your hips forward to return to the starting position, squeezing your glutes at the top.

Key Points

  • Keep your back straight throughout the movement.
  • Avoid rounding your shoulders or back.
  • Maintain a neutral neck position, looking ahead.
  • Focus on engaging your hamstrings and glutes during the lift.

Common Mistakes

  • Bending the knees too much.
  • Rounding the back.
  • Using arms instead of engaging the hips for movement.

Tips

  • Start with lighter weights to perfect form.
  • Practice the hip hinge movement without weights to build muscle memory.