By Physiotherapist, Paulina Backiel
Overview
A lot of you may know of the most popular exercise for your hamstrings, the DEADLIFT. However did you know that there are different types of deadlifts that target different muscles in the body? The key differences are starting position and movement, allowing the exercise to focus on different muscles.
If you were once like me you probably avoided the exercise because it can be very challenging on the back. But, what if I told you there was a deadlift that is a bit easier on the back?
Types of Deadlifts
1. Traditional/Conventional Deadlift (DL)
Starting position: In squat position with weight on ground
Movement: Pulling strength; Bar is pulled up to hips tensing the glutes, then lowered back down to ground in squat position
Muscles targeted: Mid back, abs, glutes, adductors, quads, hamstrings
Performance enhancements: Strengthen lower back, full body
2. Romanian Deadlift (RDL)
Starting position: Standing, bar/weight begins in air
Movement: Isolated strength; Bar is lowered just under knees and raised up again thrusting hips forward and tightening glutes
Muscles targeted: more glutes, more hamstrings, forearm flexors
Performance enhancements: Increase hip mobility, glute and hamstring strength
Safest for those with lower back pain if done correctly.
3. Stiff-Leg Deadlift
Starting position: Similar to RDL position but with knees slightly bent
Movement: Keeping your knees slightly bent, just like an RDL moving the bar down past knees then up. Knees remain fixed throughout the movement.
Muscles targeted: more abs/core, lower back, more glutes, more hamstring, calves
Performance enhancements: Squats and overall leg strength
*Avoid if you have lower back or leg problems*