How to Do the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift
Intermediate glutes exercise with dumbbell.
The Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift is an intermediate-level glutes exercise that works several muscles together, led by the glutes, using dumbbell. As a compound movement it lets you handle heavier loads and trains coordination across multiple joints, which makes it a strong anchor for a training day. It slots into most gym setups, and SSS Workout Assistant will program it automatically when it fits your goal and available equipment.
Exercise details
- Muscle group
- Glutes
- Primary muscle
- Glutes
- Equipment
- Dumbbell
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Type
- Compound
How to perform it
- 1Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in your right hand.
- 2Shift your weight onto your left leg and lift your right foot slightly off the ground.
- 3Keeping your back straight, hinge forward at the hips and lower the dumbbell towards the ground.
- 4At the same time, extend your right leg straight behind you, maintaining a slight bend in your left knee.
- 5Lower the dumbbell until your torso and right leg are parallel to the ground.
- 6Pause for a moment, then engage your glutes and hamstrings to return to the starting position.
- 7Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides.
How to program the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift
- Do the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift early in your session while you're fresh — compound lifts deserve your best energy.
- Warm up with one or two lighter sets before your working sets to prime the movement.
- As a compound lift, 3–5 sets of 5–8 reps builds strength, while 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps favours muscle growth. Rest 90–180 seconds between sets so you can move quality load.
- To progress, add a small amount of load only after you can hit the top of your rep range with clean form.
Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift alternatives
No dumbbell? These train the same glutes, grouped by what you have available.
Dumbbell or kettlebell
Easier and harder variations
The Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift is rated intermediate. Regress while you build the pattern, progress once it feels easy.
Easier — build up to it
What to pair it with
For a balanced session, pair the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift with a move for the opposing muscles — the Dumbbell Lunges (quadriceps) or the Bodyweight Lunge (quadriceps). Alternating the two as a superset saves time, because one side rests while the other works.
Where it fits in your weekly plan
When the free routine generator builds your week, the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift can land on:
- Legs days — in 3, 5 or 6 days a week plans
- Lower Body days — in 4 or 5 days a week plans
Included when your equipment is set to: Dumbbells, Full gym.
Free tools for this exercise
Put it in your plan
SSS Workout Assistant builds a custom weekly routine around your goals and adds moves like the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift automatically — then tracks every set.
Build my free planFrequently asked questions
What muscles does the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift work?
The Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift primarily targets the glutes within the glutes muscle group, and recruits several supporting muscles as a compound movement.
What equipment do I need for the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift?
You need dumbbell to perform the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift.
Is the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift a compound or isolation exercise?
The Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift is a compound exercise, working multiple joints and muscle groups at once. It's well suited to intermediate trainees.
How many sets and reps of the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift should I do?
As a compound lift, 3–5 sets of 5–8 reps builds strength, while 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps favours muscle growth. Rest 90–180 seconds between sets so you can move quality load.
Is the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift good for beginners?
The Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift is rated intermediate. Beginners can work toward it by mastering easier variations first and prioritising form over load before adding weight or reps.
What can I do instead of the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift?
Good substitutes that train the same glutes include the Bodyweight Hip Thrust (bodyweight), the Curtsy Lunge (bodyweight), the Dumbbell Rear Lunge (dumbbell). Pick the one that matches the equipment you have.
Can I do the Dumbbell Single Leg Deadlift at home?
Yes, if you have dumbbell at home. It's an easy movement to keep in a home routine.
