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Speed for this exercise

Bodyweight Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

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3sets
8-10reps /side
60srest
~6.1kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
GlutesLower BackAbductors

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Hamstrings

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inBack thighs

Hamstrings stretching and glutes squeezing to stand up; the back stays firm, not tired.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Hips back, flat back, stand up by squeezing the glutes.”

Tempo · Down 2–3 s · up 1 s

Choosing the load: Too easy? Slow down or pause at the hardest point. Too hard? Use an easier version (knees, incline, band).

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in Lower backBack rounding or lifting with the back. Brace hard, keep the weight close to the legs, push the hips back, and stop lowering when the back starts to round.
  • Feel it in Front thighsSquatting instead of hinging. Keep a soft, fixed knee bend and move the hips back, not down.
  • Feel it in Forearms / gripGrip fails first. Use straps, chalk or a mixed grip for heavy sets.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Fix your eyes on a point in front of you to help with balance.
  • Keep your hips level, as if balancing a glass of water on your lower back.
  • When loaded, hold the weight in the hand opposite your standing leg for better balance.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the hip of the raised leg open up toward the ceiling.
  • Rounding the back to reach lower.

Breathing

Inhale as you hinge down, exhale as you stand up.

Equipment needed

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle