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Single-Leg Dumbbell Deadlift with Stepbox Support
A single-leg dumbbell hinge with the rear foot resting on a low box, reducing the balance demand so the hamstrings and glutes can be loaded harder.
LegsDumbbellHip hinge
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-single-leg-deadlift-with-stepbox-support
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
HamstringsGlutes
Secondary
Spinal erectorsGluteus mediusCore
Equipment
Dumbbell
Pattern
Hip hinge
Setup
- 01Place a low step or box about one stride behind you.
- 02Rest the toes of the rear foot lightly on the box.
- 03Hold a dumbbell in the hand opposite the front leg, or one in each hand.
- 04Keep a soft bend in the front knee and square the hips.
Execution
- 01Hinge at the front hip, pushing the hips straight back.
- 02Lower the dumbbell along the front leg toward mid-shin.
- 03Stop when the hamstring reaches a strong stretch with a flat back.
- 04Drive the front hip forward to return to standing.
Checkpoints
- -Nearly all the weight stays on the front leg; the rear toes only balance.
- -Hips stay square throughout the hinge.
- -The spine holds neutral from head to tailbone.
- -The front knee bend stays constant, not squatting deeper.
Common mistakes
- -Pushing hard through the rear foot and turning it into a split squat.
- -Rounding the back to gain range.
- -Setting the box so far back that the hips twist.
- -Loading heavier than the hinge pattern can hold.
Programming notes
- -Use 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps per leg.
- -This supported version tolerates more load than the free-standing single-leg deadlift; progress weight here first.
- -Use it as a stepping stone toward the unsupported version.
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