difference between romanian DL and regular DL

[cumin]

I havce reviewed the text and pictures in the book a number of times, and still don't really understand how exactly these two exercises are different.

Can someone explain it to me?

Thanks

[Bill2380]

Lisa should be by with a link any minute.

[Lisa~]

Originally Posted by Bill2380

Lisa should be by with a link any minute.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Working on it. I think we've covered this topic before, haven't we?

[Lisa~]

Here's a fantastic article that explains the conventional deadlift:
Analysis of the Deadlift by Mark Rippetoe

Here's a good video of a conventional deadlift:
Conventional Deadlift


Here's a good article about Romanian deadlifts:
The Heavyweight Lifting Match: Romanian vs. Stiff-Legged Deadlifts by John Paul Catanzaro
I don't like all the photos in this article, so view them with your mental filter engaged. Pay attention to his words more than the pictures.

Here's a good video of an RDL:
Romanian Deadlift


Lynn recently asked me about the very extended head/neck position of the female athlete in those videos. It was a good question. She's looking up too much and it would be better if her neck was in a neutral position instead. If you want to read our discussion, it's here.

[Bill2380]

That's what I mean.

[Lisa~]

I found this NSCA tutorial for the RDL too. It's pretty good. There's video as well as a slide show with written instructions.

http://www.nsca-lift.org/videos/Roma...romanian.shtml

[Kirk]

I had the exact same question.

Those videos help a lot.

[beeeeef]

You can download Dan John's "From the Ground Up" from his site to learn his "variation" of RDL. And Mike Robertson had an article at T-nation on RDL.

They are both worth a look

[cumin]

So if I were to answer my question, "What is the difference between the RDL and the regular deadlift", based on what I see in this thread, this is what I'd say...please correct me as necessary:

The regular deadlift starts and stops with the barbell on the ground. The RDL starts and stops with the barbell in the air, the body standing erect. It doesn't necessarioly finish with the bar on the ground. Apparently one uses half a regular DL movement to get the bar to the beginning position of an RDL.

The knes flex and extend in the regular DL. In the RDL, the knees start slightly flexed and stay that way for the duration.

In both, the back is kept neutral, the gaze is looking forward but not up, the body flexes at the hips, as in a yoga sun salutation, not at the waist.

Have I missed anything? The differences seem pretty subtle to me; what is the difference in effect between the two moves?

[AL53]

hey im no expert, but i was always under the assumption that RDLs are like stiff legged deadlifts (but you keep your knees slightly flexed). I've also been told to pretend like your pinching a pencil between your shoulder blades in order to maintain your posture. Regular deadlifts start with knees bent like a squating position, just re-examine the video's lisa posted, they display it beautifully.

[jbrezy]

completely agree with AL53
I think that conventional Dl start in a squat position and RDL are stiff legged?????????
I find RDL a thousand times easier (lower back speaking). CDL really confuse me and form goes to hell....

ARE THEY JUST AS EFFECTIVE (RDL?) Please say yes!

[Cynic]

Stiff leg DLs start that the beginning on the concentric. RDLs start at the beginning on the eccentric.

DLs do not start in a squat position, but maybe it's just your choice of description and not the way you actually stand. Your hips are higher than your knees.

Are they just as effective as what?