The Kettlebell single leg deadlift, single leg Romanian deadlift or one leg deadlift is a highly underused but extremely important kettlebell exercise.
All beginners as well as seasoned professionals should be using the single leg kettlebell deadlift to create a stable foundation for their kettlebell training.
If you have not started using the one leg kettlebell deadlift then now is the time to embrace it and reap the rewards this fun exercise has to offer.
Kettlebell Single Leg Deadlift Benefits
The one legged deadlift is a challenging exercise to perform and requires good core strength as well as balance and coordination.
Here’s a quick list of the benefits of the one legged deadlift:
Strengthens the core sling system that connects the shoulder to the opposite hip which is important for all sports and martial arts
Develops good core coordination as the midsection resists ‘giving in’ to the kettlebell load as you lean forwards
Promotes good synergy between the hip hinge movement, core muscles and shoulders
Develops single leg balance, strength and stabilisation
Improves mobility through the hips, legs and back for better movement skills and posture
Strengthen and activates over 600 muscles in the body
Other than being very cardiovascular there are not many benefits that you can’t get from this kettlebell deadlift exercise.
Kettlebell Single Leg Deadlift Muscles Worked
As mentioned the single-leg deadlift works and activates over 600 muscles in the body.
In particular single leg Romanian deadlifts use these muscles:
The muscles that you are probably going to feel the most the next day following a workout using the single-leg deadlift are the hamstrings and buttock muscles.
Single Leg Deadlift Form
Kettlebell single Leg deadlifts exercise
Very similar to the kettlebell single handed deadlift the 1 leg deadlift requires you to keep a very flat lower back while bending forwards from the hips.
The chest should be kept up and focus placed down at about 3 feet in front of you.
Try to avoid opening up the hips too much by keeping the rear toes pointing downwards as opposed to outwards. A good cue is to corkscrew the rear foot inwards.
The standing leg should have a slightly soft knee and not be fully locked out.
As you bend forwards only go down as far as your hamstrings will allow and don’t reach or drop your shoulder.
When your lower back starts to bend then you have reached your maximum ability.
For many people they will not be able to touch the floor with the kettlebell and a small box or step can be used to gauge depth.
Ensure you maintain a good grip throughout the exercise as this helps to stabilise the shoulder muscles.
Watch a video of the Single Leg Deadlift form using a kettlebell:
How to Perform the One Leg Deadlift Exercise
You basically have 2 main options for how you can perform the kettlebell one leg deadlift:
Start with the kettlebell on the floor, hinge down, pick up the bell, return to the top position and then hinge back and return the bell to the floor, and then let go.
Start with the kettlebell in your hand lower to the floor, touch the floor and then return back to the top position
I would recommend that beginners start with the first option to improve their muscle activation between picking up and returning the kettlebell to the floor.
For those completely new to the single leg kb deadlift movement I recommend that you practice the exercise without a kettlebell first.
Watch this video to see how to perform the bodyweight single leg deadlift variation:
Imbalances When Performing the Single Leg Kettlebell Deadlift
It is very common for one side of the single leg kettlebell RDL to be stronger than the other.
If one side is weaker then it is important that you work to strengthen that side by performing the same or more repetitions on that side.
It is good practice to start every workout with your weaker side and not to perform more repetitions on your stronger side.
It is interesting to note that if you struggle with one side of the single leg kb deadlift how you will probably have the same weakness with that same side when performing the kettlebell turkish get up.
As you get stronger at the 1 leg deadlift exercise you can either increase the kettlebell weight or hold two kettlebells rather than one.
Holding a kettlebell in each hand takes away the rotational aspect of the kettlebell exercise meaning that your cross body core sling system does not have to work as hard.
However, the addition of the extra kettlebell will mean a greater balanced load through the hamstrings, buttocks and back muscles.
So just be aware that by balancing out the movement with two kettlebells takes away the rotational element that is so important for sports.
The single leg kettlebell deadlift or single leg Romanian deadlift is a very important kettlebell exercise that everybody should be using in their training.
Not only does this important kettlebell exercise activate most muscles in the body but it also improves balance, coordination, and increases mobility.
Beginners should start by mastering the bodyweight version first before moving on to the kettlebell variation.
You can perform the single leg deadlift with either one kettlebell or two but using two kettlebells removes the rotational aspect which is so important for sports.
I’ve listed 3 single leg deadlift kettlebell workouts for you to use to practice this exercise just perform them slowly and deliberately.
Best of luck and enjoy this excellent kettlebell exercise.
Have you practiced the single leg deadlift using a kettlebell? Let me know more below:
What does the single leg deadlift work?
The single leg deadlift strengthens the posterior chain namely the glutes, hamstrings, lower back and core muscles. Your balance and movement skills will also be improved with this exercise.
Which hand holds the weight in a single leg deadlift?
You should hold the kettlebell or weight with the opposite hand to the leg you are standing on. Using opposite arms and legs like this activates the sling system of muscles that attaches the hip to the opposite shoulder.
How can I improve my single leg deadlift?
Practice. Begin with the bodyweight version to improve your balance and develop your stabiliser muscles before progressing to adding weight to the movement. You can always reach towards a wall to help with your balance.
Hello Greg, I’m looking forward to starting kettlebell workouts. I have ordered 6,8 and 12k kettlebells (black range) from Wolverson Fitness. It’s been a while since I used weights so I thought going heavier than 12k now might be a mistake for a 67 year old man. If I am wrong, tell me, and I will alter the order on your advice. (ordered last night)
Thanks for the detailed instructions, they look really useful. Do you have any beginners workouts on video that I could access?
Pete Binnington
Greg, I have with this movement reduced the pain in my lower back and the weakness in my left leg. Amazing!!! I have tried all sorts of stretches and exercices that have not worked. This one does. Thank you?
Brilliant article, very in depth. Particular like the body weight only versions with video. Thanks you so much.
Hello Greg, I’m looking forward to starting kettlebell workouts. I have ordered 6,8 and 12k kettlebells (black range) from Wolverson Fitness. It’s been a while since I used weights so I thought going heavier than 12k now might be a mistake for a 67 year old man. If I am wrong, tell me, and I will alter the order on your advice. (ordered last night)
Thanks for the detailed instructions, they look really useful. Do you have any beginners workouts on video that I could access?
Pete Binnington
Sounds good to me Pete, take a look at my 5 beginners exercises here and 7 kettlebell exercises for older adults here
Greg, I have with this movement reduced the pain in my lower back and the weakness in my left leg. Amazing!!! I have tried all sorts of stretches and exercices that have not worked. This one does. Thank you?
That’s great news Charles, it’s a wonderful exercise that is often overlooked.