There are a couple of factors that could play into you always feeling your lower back when doing RDLs. Typically, the lower back comes into play when you’re unable to properly brace your abs and your pelvis rotates a little too much.
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Are RDLs effective with dumbbells?
While RDL’s are commonly done with a barbell, using a pair of dumbbells for RDLs can be very beneficial. A dumbbell RDL is an excellent exercise for those looking to work their glutes and hamstrings without needing a high level of flexibility or range of motion that the barbell requires.
How do I get a perfect RDL form?
- Bend down and grab the bar with your arms completely straight and just outside of your knees.
- Lift the barbell the same way you would as a deadlift to get into the starting position.
- With the bar in your outstretched arms, take a big breath and brace your core.
- Begin the exercise by bending at your hips NOT your spine.
Are dumbbell RDLS better than barbell?
The dumbbell Romanian deadlift is more home gym-friendly because dumbbells occupy much less space than a barbell with plates. Lighter weight. The weight you can lift with the dumbbell Romanian deadlift is generally lighter too, which should transfer to a lower risk of injury.
Should you feel RDL in lower back?
Form Tip: When done correctly, you should feel tension developing in the hamstrings and across the back (lower and middle, especially around the shoulder blades).
Should you squeeze glutes during RDL?
Engage your glutes, contract your hips, and drive back to the starting position, locking your hips out at the top. Exhale. You should feel a squeeze in your hips and quads as you lock them out.
Is RDL safer than deadlift?
For the average gym-goer or non-strength athlete, the RDL probably represents a better and safer alternative to deadlifts for training the posterior chain muscles, mainly due to the different types of muscle contraction involved in executing the two lifts.
Why does my lower back hurt after RDLs?

How much should I RDL compared to deadlift?
You will be able to lift more weight with the deadlift vs Romanian deadlift. Most people should be able to Romanian deadlift between 30-40% of their 1 rep max deadlift for 8-10 reps. Whereas most people should be able to deadlift between 60-70% of their 1 rep max deadlift for 8-10 reps.
How much can the average man RDL?
How much should I be able to Romanian Deadlift? (lb) What is the average Romanian Deadlift? The average Romanian Deadlift weight for a male lifter is 266 lb (1RM).
What is a good starting weight for RDLS?
Set-Up for Romanian Deadlifts. Dumbbells: Choose a Weight: If you are just starting out, I recommend starting with 10s or 15s.
What muscles do dumbbell RDLS work?
The dumbbell Romanian deadlift works your hamstrings, glutes, and your lower back. The dumbbell Romanian deadlift engages the four muscles in the back of your leg that comprise the hamstring: the biceps femoris (a group of two muscles), semitendinosus, and the semimembranosus.
How heavy is a Romanian deadlift?
What is the average Romanian Deadlift? The average Romanian Deadlift weight for a male lifter is 120 kg (1RM). This makes you Intermediate on Strength Level and is a very impressive lift.
How much should I deadlift with dumbbells?

Are RDLS enough for hamstrings?
Researchers investigated the muscle activity of the hamstrings during the leg curl, good morning, glute-ham raise, and Romanian deadlift (RDL) and found that hamstring activity was maximized in the RDL and glute-ham raise.
Do you bend your knees in RDL?

How can I make my RDL more glute?

Does squeezing buttocks make it bigger?
Researchers found that those who performed gluteal squeezes increased their hip extensionโor gluteโstrength by 16 percent compared to an 11 percent increase in those who performed glute bridges. Gluteal girth also increased in the group who performed gluteal squeezes.
Are RDLS good for hypertrophy?
The Romanian deadlift is a hypertrophy lift that works best in moderate rep ranges. 8โ20 reps per set often works well. Going much heavier can make it harder to get into the starting position, harder to maintain good technique, and can start putting more strain on the lower back.
Which deadlift is the hardest?
Sumo deadlifts are a harder deadlift variation for those who have limited hip mobility and are weak through the quads. The sumo deadlift moves slowly off the ground and so it requires lots of tension to be harnessed through the legs when compared to conventional.
Are RDLS or deadlifts better for glutes?
Romanian deadlifts are the safest option for people with low back pain. Romanian deadlifts are a great option for people who want to increase hip mobility and target the glutes, which is beneficial in activities that require you to bend down, as well as movements such as squatting.
How do you know if you’re doing RDLS right?

How do I protect my back in RDL?

Why don’t I feel RDLS in my hamstrings?
To feel the hamstrings while performing the Romanian deadlift we need to ensure that the knees are not traveling too far forward, and instead are maintaining a slight bend in the knee with the shins mostly vertical.
Do RDLs improve deadlifts?
But the king of them all is the Romanian Deadlift, because whether you are a sumo or conventional puller, RDLs can help boost your deadlift.