Barbell Single Leg Deadlift - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Barbell Single Leg Deadlift

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Barbell Single Leg Deadlift.

MediumGlutes

About this exercise

The Barbell Single Leg Deadlift is a unilateral hip-hinge movement that trains each leg independently for improved balance, hamstring strength, and glute development. Holding a barbell challenges stability and core engagement throughout the lift.

How to Perform

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart and hold the barbell in front of your thighs with an overhand grip
  • Shift your weight onto one foot, keeping a soft bend in that knee
  • Hinge forward at the hips while simultaneously raising the free leg straight behind you
  • Lower the barbell toward the floor, keeping it close to your standing leg and your back flat
  • Continue until your torso is roughly parallel to the floor or you feel a deep stretch in the hamstring
  • Drive through the heel of the standing foot to return to upright, bringing the free leg down
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching legs

Muscle Activation

Primary
Glutes
Secondary
QuadricepsHamstringsCalvesLower backInner thighs

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Barbell Single Leg Deadlift

The Barbell Single Leg Deadlift is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.