Romanian Deadlift (Medicine Ball)
Level
intermediate
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
medicine ball Category
strength Primary Muscles
A hip-hinge movement using a medicine ball that strengthens the posterior chain, particularly the hamstrings and lower back, while improving hip mobility.
Instructions
- Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a medicine ball with both hands in front of your thighs.
- Maintain a neutral spine and slight knee bend throughout the movement.
- Hinge at the hips, pushing them backward while lowering the medicine ball toward your feet.
- Feel a stretch in your hamstrings as you descend.
- Push through your heels and extend your hips to return to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Tips
- This is a hip-hinge movement, not a squat; minimize knee bending.
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout; avoid rounding your lower back.
- Feel the stretch in your hamstrings and keep tension in your posterior chain.
- The medicine ball should travel close to your legs throughout the movement.
- Push your hips backward rather than lowering your torso forward excessively.
- This is an excellent exercise for posterior chain strength and hip mobility.
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 | 4 kg | 4 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 4 kg | 4 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 3 kg | 3 kg |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)
Learn more about romanian deadlift (dumbbell) intermediate strength