Romanian deadlifts are a popular compound exercise for good reason. This dumbbell leg move targets the muscles on the back of your legs and butt, which are often underutilized. (Many people don't train those muscles as much as their quads, which are on the front of the legs.) When done with correct form, a deadlift will also work your back, abs, and upper body, too. Many people do deadlifts with a barbell, but dumbbells work just as well.
- Stand with your feet hip-distance apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand in front of your thighs, keeping your arms straight.
- Allow your knees to bend slightly as you lower the dumbbells to the floor with control, keeping your back flat and core tight. Don't allow your shoulders to hunch forward; keep your shoulder blades down and back. Continue lowering the dumbbells until you reach your shins or feel a stretch along the backs of your thighs.
- Straighten your legs to stand up and squeeze your glutes at the top. That's one rep.
