Romanian Dead Lift Form ?

[SnowManSnow]

So I've been trying to do these things for the past week, but I'm not sure I have the proper form. I've looked at several pictures and videos but the variable I'm after isn't clear. The question is.. when I bend over how far below my knees should I allow the bar to go? Half way down my shin? Just level with knee?

All the pictures and videos I've seen have been taken from the side, and the plate invariably blocks what I'm trying to see.

Any educated advice is much appreciated.

BTW, going into training week #2 .. feeling good!

B.

 

[P-funk]

the knees should be slightly "unlocked"

you should descend down as far as your flexibility will allow you at this time. if you can not get down below your knees, you have somethings to work on. Typically, if your flexibility is good and your core strength allows, you should be able to get down to a mid-shin position.

 

[Built]

The weight should touch your body on the way down, and on the way back up. You should maintain a nice arch throughout the movement, weight travels through the heels and you should be leaning your ass back so you feel a stretch through the belly of the hamstring. Look at your eyes in the mirror, chest out, butt out, think "baboon breeding position". If you observe your body from the side, the weight should travel straight up and down in a line.
http://www.uwlax.edu/strengthcenter/videos/exercise videos plus/rdl.mpg
NSCA - Performance Analysis Video

As P-funk said, no need to lower all the way down.

To find the "feel", stand with your feet right up at the support of the cage, hold the support with your hands at about waist-level and lean your ass back. Fiddle with where you need to send the weight until you feel the hamstring stretch with your knees slightly bent, your ass and chest out, and your back a little arched so your hips shoot out and back.

That's the feel to look for when you do the movement.

 

[SnowManSnow]

Thanks for the replies. I'll keep the weight low until I get comfortable with the form.

B