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Exercise library

Dumbbell Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

Hamstrings · Hinge

Generic hinge demo. Follow the steps below for this exact exercise.

HingeCompoundOne side at a time

A loaded one-legged hinge that builds hamstring strength and balance and evens out side-to-side differences.

Difficulty
Moderate
Tracking
Measured in reps

Muscles worked

HamstringsGlutesCore

Equipment

Dumbbell

How to do it

  1. Hold a dumbbell in one hand and stand on the opposite leg with a soft knee.
  2. Keeping your back flat, hinge at the hip and let the free leg extend behind you as a counterweight.
  3. Lower the dumbbell toward the floor until you feel a stretch in the standing hamstring.
  4. Squeeze the standing glute to return upright, finish the reps and switch sides.

Coaching cues

  • Keep your hips square to the floor rather than opening toward the free leg.
  • Use a light weight until your balance is steady for every rep.