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Trap Bar Romanian Deadlift
Intermediate - Strength - Compound
Targeted Muscle Group
Upper Legs
Glutes
Recommended Equipment
How to do it
The Trap Bar Romanian Deadlift (RDL) is a variation of the conventional Romanian deadlift that targets the hamstrings, glutes, lower back, and upper back muscles.
Place the trap bar on the ground and load it with an appropriate amount of weight. Stand in the center of the trap bar with your feet shoulder-width apart. The bar should be aligned with the middle of your feet. Bend your knees slightly and hinge at your hips to grip the handles of the trap bar with an overhand grip (palms facing your body). Your hands should be just outside of your knees. Keep your spine neutral, chest up, and shoulder blades pulled back and down.
Keeping your back flat, core engaged, and knees slightly bent, hinge at your hips to lower the trap bar towards the ground. Maintain a slight bend in your knees throughout the movement, but avoid excessive knee flexion. Lower the trap bar by pushing your hips back, allowing it to slide down the front of your thighs. Lower the bar until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings, typically when it reaches just below your knees. Keep the bar close to your body throughout the movement. Focus on maintaining tension in your hamstrings and glutes as you lower the bar.
Once you reach the bottom of the movement, reverse the motion by driving your hips forward and standing up tall. Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement to fully extend your hips. Keep your back flat and avoid hyperextending your lower back at the top of the movement. Inhale as you lower the trap bar towards the ground. Exhale as you extend your hips and return to the starting position.
