Primary
Glutes
Secondary
Hamstrings, Lower back, Core
Equipment
Dumbbell
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Hinge
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The single-leg Romanian deadlift combines the hip hinge pattern with single-leg stance, dramatically increasing balance demands while building unilateral glute and hamstring strength. Your free leg extends behind you as a counterbalance while you hinge through the standing hip. This is one of the most effective exercises for athletic hip development.
When to use it
Use to address imbalances or improve athletic performance.
Who it's for
Intermediate lifters and athletes.
Keep your hips square—do not let the free hip rotate open. The standing leg maintains a slight knee bend that does not change throughout the hinge. Reach forward with the weight as your back leg extends behind you for counterbalance.
Also targets: Hamstrings, Back, Core
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Stand on one leg, holding a dumbbell in the opposite hand.
Keep a slight bend in your standing knee.
Hinge forward at the hips.
Extend your free leg behind you for balance.
Lower until you feel a hamstring stretch.
Drive through your standing leg to return upright.
Keep your hips square to the ground.
Use a wall or pole for balance if needed.
Focus on controlled movement, not depth.
Program single-leg RDLs for unilateral strength development, athletic hip function, or balance improvement. Use them after bilateral compounds with moderate loads. They pair well with hip thrusts and leg curls.
Rotating the hips open.
Losing hip position during the Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift shifts the loading pattern away from your Glutes (gluteus maximus) and can compress your lower back. Stay planted and let your Glutes (gluteus maximus) do the work.
Rounding the lower back.
A compromised back position during the Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift puts your spine under unnecessary shear force. Brace your core and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
Looking up instead of down.
Craning your neck during the Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift compresses your cervical spine and can cause nerve impingement. Keep your head in a neutral position — pick a spot to look at and hold it through the set.
Intermediate lifters and athletes.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3 sets of 8-10 reps per leg. Rest 60s between legs.
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Sample workout
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Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift
The Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift primarily targets the Glutes (gluteus maximus), Hamstrings, making it an effective exercise for glutes development. Secondary muscles worked during the Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift include Lower back, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Core, Hip stabilizers, Ankle stabilizers.
The Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift is rated as intermediate difficulty, meaning it requires some training experience. Intermediate lifters and athletes. Focus on proper technique and consider starting with easier variations.
For the Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 8-10 reps per leg. Rest 60s between legs. For strength, use 5-8 reps per leg. For muscle growth, perform 8-12 reps per leg. For endurance, complete 12-15 reps per leg.
Yes, the Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift can be done at home with a dumbbell. It requires minimal space and is a great option for home workouts targeting glutes.
Good alternatives to the Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift include: Romanian Deadlift, Single-Leg Glute Bridge. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.