Kettlebell Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

Intermediate
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A unilateral kettlebell hinge that targets the hamstrings and glutes, used to improve lower body balance, stability, and functional strength.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Hamstrings, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Forearms

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Stability
Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Functional Training
Sports Performance

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Hamstrings

10/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Lower Back

6/10

Erector Spinae

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand tall holding a single kettlebell in the hand opposite your standing foot. Keep a slight bend in the standing knee, shoulders back, and core braced.

  1. Initiate the movement by hinging at the hips, keeping your back straight and core tight.
  2. Simultaneously extend the non-supporting leg straight back for counterbalance.
  3. Lower the kettlebell toward the ground until you feel a stretch in the hamstring.
  4. Push through your standing foot, squeezing the glute to return to the upright position.
  5. Maintain balance and spinal neutrality throughout the entire movement.
  6. Complete all required repetitions on one side before switching the kettlebell and supporting leg.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hinge, don't squat.
  • Keep hips level.
  • Brace your core.
  • Foot roots down.

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the weight, bracing the core. Exhale forcefully as you return to the upright position.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Hinge until the torso is near parallel to the floor or until a strong stretch is felt in the hamstrings, while maintaining a neutral spine.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Focus on controlling the movement rather than depth if balance is compromised.
  • Stop the descent immediately if lower back pain occurs.

Spotting

Not recommended. Use lighter weight until stability and form are mastered.

Common Mistakes

  • Losing balance frequently.
  • Rounding the lower back.
  • Sinking into a squat.
  • Allowing the hips to rotate.

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain.
  • Severe knee instability.
  • Recent hamstring or groin strain.

Flexibility Needed

  • Good hamstring flexibility.
  • Adequate ankle stability.
  • Hip hinge competency.

Build Up First

  • Mastered two-leg Romanian Deadlift.

Also known as

Single Leg KB RDL, One-Leg Kettlebell RDL, Unilateral KB RDL

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