Former US Olympic Weightlifting coach Jim Schmitz talks about the origins of the Romanian Deadlift (RDL) - at least by that name.
Dragomir Cioroslan (a Romanian weightlifting coach at the time) described the exercise as follows :
- Start in the completed deadlift position.
- Bend the knees slightly.
- Lower the bar by pushing the hips back.
- Lower the bar below the knees but not to the platform. Tension must remain on the muscles . Stand on blocks if you want to get lower.
- The position should be, "SHINS VERTICAL, HIPS BACK, and BACK STRAIGHT".
- The movement should not be fast but steady and under control all the way.
- The back must remain straight. The movement is from the hips. The arms remain straight throughout.
- Breathing: Take a deep breath at the start of the movement and keep the chest up throughout. Hold your breath as you lower and exhale as you complete the movement.
- Start light to develop the technique and "feel" of the movement.
Pictured demonstrating the exercise is Nicu Vlad, once coached by Cioroslan.