Video: Power up your glutes with a dead lift By Mayo Clinic Staff Share Facebook Twitter Print details New to weightlifting? The first thing to know is that resistance training — using either hand weights or your body weight — benefits almost everyone. Besides building strength, a comprehensive strength routine may even reduce your risk of heart disease and lower your cholesterol. Watch and learn how to do the classic Romanian dead lift. It's a glutes-targeted exercise that'll help you build lower body strength and core power. Stronger hips and core will help you take on everyday challenges without strain or pain — and even help protect your knees. Show transcript Power up your glutes with a dead lift Romanian dead lift Boost your power for hiking, running hills or climbing stairs. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Tip at your hip and hinge forward, lowering the weights in front of your shins. Return to a standing position. During the hip hinge, lower until you feel a slight hamstring stretch. Keep your core engaged and maintain a neutral spine. Choose weights between 5 and 20 pounds, whichever allows you to complete 12 reps with good form. Repeat for up to 3 sets. Expert tips from the wellness physical therapists at the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program. Get more healthy-action tips delivered daily when you download the Mayo Clinic App. Show references Resistance training for health and fitness. American College of Sports Medicine. https://www.acsm.org/docs/brochures/resistance-training.pdf. Accessed March 13, 2017. VID-20307449