Squatting instead of hinging
Knees bend too much; the cable becomes a squat and the hamstrings disengage.
Overactive muscles
QuadricepsHip flexors
Corrective work
Foam RollHip flexors↗StretchHalf-kneeling hip flexor stretch↗Hinge · Lower Body
Cable RDL (Bilateral)
Coaching cues
- Low cable with a straight bar or rope; stand close; hinge at the hip
- The cable maintains posterior tension throughout — unlike a barbell
- Lower until hamstrings are fully loaded; drive hips forward to return
- Excellent for clients who struggle with barbell RDL mechanics
Common faults 2
Hyperextension at lockout
Erectors extend past neutral at the top of the cable RDL.
Overactive muscles
Erector spinaeHip flexors
Corrective work
Foam RollErector spinae↗StretchHalf-kneeling hip flexor stretch↗