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§ L · Exercises · HamstringsUpdated 6/2026

Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift

This exercise strengthens the hamstrings and glutes while improving balance. It builds a stronger hip hinge for daily lifting and gym work.

Muscle group
Hamstrings
Equipment
Dumbbell
Exercise type
Compound
Technique
Moderate technique
One side at a time

Muscles worked

§ 01 · Muscles
Primary muscle
Hamstrings
Supporting muscles
GlutesLower Back

How to perform

§ 02 · Steps
  1. 01

    Stand with the dumbbells in your hands, feet hip-width apart, and your weight centered over the middle of your working foot.

  2. 02

    Brace your core and hinge at the hips by pushing your hips back while extending your free leg behind you, keeping your back neutral.

  3. 03

    Lower the dumbbells under control toward shin level, keeping your shoulders down and your shoulder blades gently pulled back together.

  4. 04

    Drive your working heel into the floor and extend your hip to return to the starting position, squeezing your glute without letting your hips rotate open.

  5. 05

    Bring your free leg back beside the working leg and regain your balance before the next rep.

Beginner's guide

§ 03 · Guide
What it works

This exercise strengthens the hamstrings and glutes while improving balance. It builds a stronger hip hinge for daily lifting and gym work.

What it should feel like

You should feel it in your hamstrings and glutes. It should not be felt mainly in your lower back or just your grip.

Most common mistake

A common mistake is letting the hips rotate open or rounding the back. Keep your hips and chest facing forward, shorten the range if balance is shaky.

How to get started at the gym

§ 04 · SisuLift

Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift is ready to go in the SisuLift exercise library. The app builds you a program, suggests starting weights and shows this same animation during your workout at the gym.

  • ·A ready training program based on your goal
  • ·Starting weight suggestions and automatic progression
  • ·Set logging and rest timer at the gym
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SisuLift app workout view

Tips

§ 05 · Tips

Keep your hips and chest facing forward throughout the movement; don't let your hip open to the side. If your balance is unsteady, reduce the range of motion and use lighter weight.

This exercise effectively develops glute strength and single-leg hip stability.

More exercises: Hamstrings

§ 06 · Same muscles

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