Skip to content

Single-leg Romanian deadlift

Add to my week

Build a free week around it — no account needed until you save.

Muscles worked

High load
Hamstrings · Hip extension
Medium load
Glutes · Maximus
Low load
Calves, Core, and Lower back

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

How to do it

Stand on one leg with a soft knee, holding a dumbbell in the opposite hand. Hinge at the hip and let the free leg extend straight back as a counterweight, lowering the weight until you feel the hamstring lengthen, then drive the hip forward to stand. Keep the hips square to the floor throughout — if the top hip opens to the ceiling, you have turned it into a twist. Go light until the balance is solid.

Form cues

  • Hips stay square — do not open to the ceiling
  • Free leg extends back as a counterweight

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

Lower backHipAnkle

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.