RDL vs Stiff Deadlift? - Project Sports
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RDL vs Stiff Deadlift?

4 min read

Asked by: Wayne Staten

Romanian deadlifts are designed to have the bar stop around shin level — the plates aren’t supposed to touch the ground in between reps. Stiff-leg deadlifts, on the other hand, come to a dead stop on the platform between each rep. That means that RDLs have a shorter range of motion than stiff-leg deadlifts.

Are RDLs as good as deadlifts?

General (RDL)



For most fitness enthusiasts and training clients, I highly recommend they prioritize Romanian deadlifts first, building up the hip, hamstring, and lower back strength and mechanics necessary to begin deadlifting.

What’s the difference between RDL and regular deadlift?

So you lift take a step back take a step back and then ground the feet the width of the feet are usually gonna be generally pretty similar to the standard deadlift. And now instead of going all the

Which type of deadlift is best?

The 5 Best Deadlift Variations

  1. Rack pull. Rack pulls are essentially just a conventional deadlift with the bar raised slightly off the floor. …
  2. Sumo deadlift. …
  3. Trap bar deadlift. …
  4. Romanian deadlift. …
  5. Kettlebell sumo deadlift.


How heavy should RDLs be?

Entire Community

Strength Level Weight
Beginner 121 lb
Novice 185 lb
Intermediate 266 lb
Advanced 361 lb

Which deadlift is best for glutes?

1. The Deadlift

  • The Conventional Deadlift: the hips drop back and knees soften, creating a “lever” controlled predominantly by the glutes and hamstrings.
  • The Sumo Deadlift: a super wide stance with toes and knees pointing outwards, allowing for greater glute activation.

Should you go heavy on Romanian deadlift?

The RDL must be heavier than hang snatch loads by at least 40%, as the lift is an option for slow strength, not a power exercise.

Do you squeeze glutes at top of RDL?

It can also pull your pelvis this way and create your or make your low back round. So what we're trying to do is this and at the top holding this rigid.

Should I feel Romanian deadlift in lower back?

Your weight should be on the mid to back of your foot, your chest up, shoulders back (mum had it right all along), abs engaged and your knees soft (slightly bend). Get a feel for the upper body position here as we don’t want this to change throughout the lift, the tension that we create must remain constant.

How much can the average man deadlift?

Stiff Leg Deadlift VS. Romanian Deadlift

Are RDLs worth it?

The Romanian deadlift (RDL) is a traditional barbell lift used to develop the strength of the posterior chain muscles, including the erector spinae, gluteus maximus, hamstrings and adductors. When done correctly, the RDL is an effective exercise that helps strengthen both the core and the lower body with one move.

Can Romanian deadlifts replace conventional?

Romanian and stiff-legged deadlifts target your hamstrings more than the standard form, making them ideal for people wishing to strengthen this area. They also put less pressure on your low back and are ideal for people with back pain. Traditional deadlifts may strengthen your lower back more.

Why are RDLs harder?

Romanian deadlifts are more difficult than standard deadlifts from the ground because your back and legs have to change the direction of the bar without a full stop on the ground and the focus is on the eccentric, making it a more hamstring, glute and lat focused exercise.

How many reps should I do RDL?

between 8-12

Repetitions can be best kept between 8-12 with moderate to heavy loads for a total of 3-5 sets, depending on the overall training volume of the program.

Should you do Romanian deadlifts heavy?

The Romanian deadlift is a great accessory movement for powerlifters looking to increase back and hip strength necessary for heavy deadlifts, low bar back squats, and greater isolation of the hamstrings and glutes.

Do you squeeze glutes at top of RDL?

It can also pull your pelvis this way and create your or make your low back round. So what we're trying to do is this and at the top holding this rigid.