Movviva

hinge exercise guide

Single-Leg RDL

How to approach single-leg rdl, including key cues, common mistakes, muscles worked, equipment, and approved alternatives from the Movviva library.

Single-Leg RDL exercise illustration

Single-Leg RDL primarily works the hamstrings, glutes, and balance. It is categorized as a hinge movement and uses Dumbbell.

Primary muscles
hamstrings and glutes
Equipment
Dumbbell
Movement pattern
hinge
Catalog difficulty
4 of 5

How to do Single-Leg RDL

  • Hips square, reach the floor
  • Back leg is the counterweight

Common mistakes

  • Twisting open — slow down, shorten range

Muscles worked

The primary catalog target is hamstrings, with glutes and balance also involved. Exercise feel varies with setup, range of motion, and individual anatomy.

Easier and harder options

Easier option: Romanian Deadlift

Related exercises and substitutions

A useful substitute should preserve the job this movement has in the session—not merely train a nearby body part. Explore the related Movviva guides below, then compare pattern, target muscles, available equipment, and difficulty.

Romanian Deadlift · Romanian Deadlift · Hamstring Flow · Lying / Seated Leg Curl · Conventional Deadlift · Dumbbell Romanian Deadlift

Put Single-Leg RDL into a plan that adapts.

Movviva builds strength, mobility, and conditioning around your goal, schedule, equipment, and completed training—then gives you the next workout with guided targets and smart swaps.