Resistance Band Single-Leg Deadlift

Intermediate
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A unilateral deadlift using a resistance band to target the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. This movement improves stability and single-leg strength for balanced hypertrophy.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Hamstrings, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Obliques

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Stability
Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Functional Training
Balance Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Hamstrings

9/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Lower Back

6/10

Erector Spinae

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds • Rest slightly longer between sets to regain focus for balance.

How to Perform

Stand tall with the resistance band secured under the center of the standing foot; hold the band end with the opposite hand, maintaining slight tension. Keep a soft bend in the standing knee.

  1. Brace your core and hinge at the hips, pushing your hips backward while keeping your back straight.
  2. Simultaneously extend the non-supporting leg straight back for counterbalance and maintain balance.
  3. Lower the torso until it is nearly parallel to the floor or the band tension limits range of motion.
  4. Drive the hips forward, squeezing the glute of the standing leg to return to the upright position.
  5. Maintain a tight core to prevent the hips from rotating or sinking.
  6. Complete all desired repetitions on one side before switching to the other leg.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips back, not down.
  • Maintain neutral spine.
  • Shoulders pulled back.
  • Push through the mid-foot.
  • Glute drives the lift.

Breathing

Inhale while hinging down, brace the core strongly throughout the movement, and exhale forcefully as you drive back up to stand.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Hinge until the torso is near parallel to the floor, or until you feel a deep stretch in the hamstring without rounding the lower back.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Stop the movement immediately if sharp lower back or knee pain occurs.
  • Focus on stability and control before increasing band resistance.
  • Ensure the band is securely anchored under the foot before starting.

Spotting

Not recommended; this is a balance and control exercise. Use a stable support (like a wall or rack) for initial balance if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the lower back excessively.
  • Allowing the hips to rotate open to the side.
  • Squatting rather than hinging.
  • Loss of balance and control.

When to Avoid

  • Acute low back pain
  • Severe knee or ankle instability
  • Uncontrolled hypertension

Flexibility Needed

  • Sufficient hamstring flexibility for a hip hinge
  • Good single-leg balance and proprioception

Build Up First

  • Proficient bodyweight hip hinge competency
  • Basic single-leg standing balance

Also known as

Single Leg RDL with Band, Band Single-Leg Hinge, Unilateral Band Deadlift

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