Exercise library

Hamstrings · Dumbbell

Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

Difficulty

Intermediate

Sets

3–5

Reps

3–6

Equipment

Dumbbell

Target muscles

Primary Hamstrings

Secondary: Glutes, Core

Variations

  • · Tempo Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift
  • · Paused Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift
  • · Cluster-set Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

Proper form

  1. 01 Set feet, brace, and pull slack out of the bar before the pull.
  2. 02 Push hips back, keep the bar close to the body, and maintain a neutral spine.
  3. 03 Drive hips forward at lockout without hyperextending the lower back.
  4. 04 Control the descent — do not drop the load.

Common mistakes

  • × Rounding the lower back at the start position.
  • × Letting the bar drift forward during the pull.
  • × Hyperextending the spine at lockout.

Tips

  • Reset every rep from a dead stop when learning the pattern.
  • Use lifting straps only after grip becomes the true limiter.
  • Program hinge volume conservatively — recovery cost is high.

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