Hamstrings · Dumbbells

Dumbbell Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

Primary muscle group: Hamstrings. Secondary muscles: glutes, core, forearms.

How to do the Dumbbell Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

  1. Shift your weight onto one foot with a soft knee.
  2. Hinge at the standing hip while the free leg reaches behind you.
  3. Keep your hips facing the floor and rise without twisting.

Common mistakes

  • Opening the hip on the lifted side.
  • Using a swing of the free leg to come back up.

Suggested sets and reps

Use these ranges as a starting point. Your plan sets the volume based on your goal and experience.

Training goalSetsReps per set
Muscle building3–48–12
Strength3–45–8
Muscular endurance2–312–18

Alternative exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Dumbbell Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift work?

Primary muscle group: Hamstrings. Secondary muscles: glutes, core, forearms.

How many reps should I do for the Dumbbell Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift?

Muscle building: 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps. Strength: 3–4 sets of 5–8 reps. Muscular endurance: 2–3 sets of 12–18 reps.

What can I do instead of the Dumbbell Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift?

Compare the setup and equipment for these alternatives: Bodyweight Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift, Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift, Banded Romanian Deadlift.