Hamstrings · Dumbbell

Single Leg Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell)

A compound movement that trains your hamstrings, done with a dumbbell. Your glutes, lower back and abs help out.

EquipmentDumbbell
TypeCompound
Push or pullPull
LevelIntermediate

Muscles you'll work

Single Leg Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell) muscles worked, front viewSingle Leg Romanian Deadlift (Dumbbell) muscles worked, back view
HamstringsPrimaryGlutes · Lower Back · Abs · AbductorsSecondary

How to do it

  1. Stand tall with a dumbbell in one hand, on the same side as the leg you will lift. Keep a slight bend in your standing knee.
  2. Engage your core and glutes. Slowly hinge at your hips, extending the opposite leg straight back behind you for balance.
  3. Lower the dumbbell towards the floor, keeping your back straight and your core tight. Your torso should be parallel to the floor, and your extended leg should form a straight line with your torso.
  4. Feel the stretch in your hamstring of the standing leg.
  5. Squeeze your glutes and hamstrings to return to the starting position, bringing your extended leg back down without letting it touch the floor if possible, or gently tapping it for balance before the next rep.
  6. Complete all repetitions on one side before switching to the other leg.

More hamstring exercises

Stiff-Legged Dumbbell DeadliftCleanDownward DogGlute Ham Raise
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