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Single leg deadlift one arm

Activate your hamstrings and glutes specifically with the one-legged deadlift.

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Preparation

Secure the sled in the lower area and attach the handle strap.

Starting Position

Stand in front of the device with your back to the wall and in a stable position. Grab the loop of the handle strap with one hand. If necessary, wrap the strap around your hand once to adjust the length.

Execution

Bend at your hips and bring your upper body forward while your free leg extends backward. Your head, upper body, and the raised leg form a straight line. Make sure to keep your back straight and maintain body tension.

Muscles Used

Back

Tip

Keep your head in a neutral position during the execution of the movement.

What makes this exercise particularly effective?

This challenging exercise combines single-leg stability with a single-arm pull, creating an extremely functional movement. It demands the gluteal muscle (gluteus maximus), hamstrings, core stability, and balance — while simultaneously engaging one arm, which intensively trains anti-rotational control and coordination.

What effect does the exercise achieve?

  • Strengthening of the thigh and gluteal muscles on one side: Ideal for improving muscular imbalances between the sides of the body.

  • Maximum core stability & activation: The body must work against both lateral tilting and rotational forces.

  • Full-body coordination and balance: Integrates numerous stabilizing muscle chains — particularly valuable for functional daily movements.

  • Synergistic integration of the pulling movement: The one-arm pull complements the work of the standing leg and trains the coordination of pulling, bracing, and stabilizing mechanisms.

How does this exercise fit into the Big 5 concept?

The Big 5 include the fundamental exercises: squat, deadlift, bench press, pull-up or lat pulldown, and shoulder press. The single-leg deadlift performed with one arm can be an interesting variation of the traditional deadlift:

  • Enhancement of the conventional deadlift: Focusing on one-arm and one-leg control improves stability in traditional deadlifts.

  • Promotion of overall body control: Core and glutes form a solid foundation for improved performance in all Big 5 exercises.

  • Injury prevention through control: Strong stability and balance reduce the risk of musculoskeletal dysfunctions and pain — especially in the lower back and knees.