Home/pull/Single-Leg Deadlift

Single-Leg Deadlift

Difficulty: ⭐⭐ Intermediatepull
👆 Tutorial by ATHLEAN-X™Watch on YouTube

Home Setup

Use a chair or wall for balance support when learning

Chair backWallCountertopWater bottles for weight

💡 Pro tip: Practice the movement pattern without weight first, focusing on balance and hip hinge

Gym Setup

Dumbbells, kettlebell, or barbell; use a bench or wall for balance assistance

Safety: Keep back neutral, avoid rounding spine, maintain slight bend in standing knee

Make It Easier

Regressions for building up strength

1. Romanian Deadlift (Two Legs)

bodyweight + dumbbells

Bilateral stance provides stability

2. Kickstand Deadlift

bodyweight + dumbbells

Back toe provides light support

3. Supported Single-Leg Deadlift

bodyweight + wall

Hold wall or chair for balance

Make It Harder

Progressions for advanced athletes

1. Weighted Single-Leg Deadlift

dumbbells + kettlebell

Added resistance increases difficulty

2. Single-Leg Deadlift to Row

dumbbells

Adds upper body pulling component

3. Pistol Squat

bodyweight

Advanced single-leg strength pattern

↕️ Similar Movements

Romanian Deadlift
Bilateral version of same hip hinge pattern
Good Morning
Similar hip hinge with different loading
Glute Bridge
Targets same posterior chain muscles
Bulgarian Split Squat
Single-leg strength with different pattern
Bird Dog
Similar balance and posterior chain activation

Form Checklist

Hinge at hips not waist
Keep back flat and neutral spine
Lift leg extends straight behind
Standing knee slightly bent
Weight stays in heel of standing foot
Shoulders stay square to ground

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the back
  • Rotating hips open
  • Bending standing knee too much
  • Not hinging deep enough
  • Losing balance by rushing
  • Letting lifted leg drop instead of extending

📈 When to Progress

When you can perform 10-12 reps per leg with controlled balance and perfect form for 3 sets