KETTLEBELL ROMANIAN DEADLIFT

What muscles do kettlebell Romanian deadlifts target?

The Romanian deadlift is a deadlift variation that allows you to specifically engage the back of your thighs (hamstrings) as you’re lowering the weight rather than pulling it from the ground.

You also tend to keep your legs more straight than for a normal deadlift.

Alongside the dumbbell Romanian deadlift, the kettlebell version is ideal for beginners working their way up to the Barbell Romanian Deadlift.

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How to do a kettlebell Romanian deadlift?

Stand with your feet hip width apart and facing forward. Always keep your knees slightly bent. Engage your core and pull your shoulders back. Hold the kettlebell with both hands in front of you, arms extended.

Keeping your back straight and shoulders relaxed, send your hips back (imagine shutting the door with your butt) and lower the kettlebell until reaching your maximum hamstring flexibility (the weight should go past your knees but not touch the floor). Drive through your hips to return to your starting position.

Video Demo: 5 Kettlebell Deadlift Variations

Pro tips

  • Try to not look up (you want to look just a few feet ahead of you to keep your neck in line with your back)

  • Imagine that you’re going to shut the door with your butt by sending your hips back

  • Engage your core on your way up to keep your back straight

How to tell if you’re doing it right?

It will fire up your hamstrings!