Romanian Deadlift (Cable)
A compound posterior chain exercise performed with cable handles where you hinge at the hips with minimal knee bend to strengthen the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
Instructions
- Stand facing a cable machine with feet hip-width apart, grasping the handles at chest height or below.
- Hold the cables with a neutral grip and step back to create cable tension.
- Keep your chest up, core engaged, and a slight bend in your knees throughout the movement.
- Hinge at the hips by pushing your glutes backward while maintaining a straight back.
- Feel a stretch in your hamstrings as you lower the handles toward mid-shin height.
- Return to the starting position by driving through your heels and extending your hips.
Tips
- Focus on the hip hinge movement rather than squatting down.
- Maintain a slight bend in the knees to reduce strain on the lower back.
- Keep the cable tension constant throughout the entire movement.
- Lower only as far as you can maintain a neutral spine.
- The cable provides forward resistance which can help with balance and control.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps | 17.5 kg | 15 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 15 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 12.5 kg | 10 kg |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
Deadlift (Band)
Learn more about deadlift (band) beginner strength
Deadlift (Kettlebell)
Learn more about deadlift (kettlebell) beginner strength
Deadlift Single-Leg (Barbell)
Learn more about deadlift single-leg (barbell) intermediate strength
Deadlift Single-Leg (Dumbbell)
Learn more about deadlift single-leg (dumbbell) intermediate strength
Double Kettlebell Clean
Learn more about double kettlebell clean intermediate strength
Double Kettlebell Swing
Learn more about double kettlebell swing intermediate strength
Glute Ham Developer
Learn more about glute ham developer intermediate strength
Pull Through (Sled)
Learn more about pull through (sled) beginner strength
Romanian Deadlift (Kettlebell)
Learn more about romanian deadlift (kettlebell) beginner strength
Romanian Deadlift (Sled)
Learn more about romanian deadlift (sled) intermediate strength
Romanian Deadlift (TRX)
Learn more about romanian deadlift (trx) intermediate strength
Romanian Deadlift B-Stance (Barbell)
Learn more about romanian deadlift b-stance (barbell) intermediate strength
Romanian Deadlift Single-Leg (Barbell)
Learn more about romanian deadlift single-leg (barbell) intermediate strength
Romanian Deadlift Single-Leg (Cable)
Learn more about romanian deadlift single-leg (cable) intermediate strength
Romanian Deadlift Single-Leg (Dumbbell)
Learn more about romanian deadlift single-leg (dumbbell) intermediate strength
Romanian Deadlift Single-Leg (TRX)
Learn more about romanian deadlift single-leg (trx) expert strength