Back to Library

Exercise Guide

How to do dumbbell deadlift

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The dumbbell deadlift is a versatile compound exercise targeting the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. By holding weights at your sides, it allows for a more natural range of motion compared to a barbell. This movement builds foundational strength, improves posture, and enhances functional fitness by mimicking real-world lifting mechanics, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced lifters.

Stats

TIER
3
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Barbell
TARGET MUSCLES
Hamstrings, Glutes, Traps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Dumbbell Placement: Place a pair of dumbbells on the floor in front of you, slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart.
  2. Foot Position: Stand with your feet approximately hip-width apart, toes pointing slightly outward (if comfortable).
  3. Hip Hinge: Bend at your hips, pushing them back, until you can reach the dumbbells while maintaining a neutral spine.
  4. Grip: Grasp the dumbbells with an overhand grip, hands just outside your shins.

The Lift

  1. Initiate the Pull: With a tight core and neutral spine, drive through your heels to stand up, lifting the dumbbells with you in a smooth motion. Keep the dumbbells close to your body throughout.
  2. Engage Glutes and Hamstrings: As you pass your knees, focus on extending your hips, using your glutes and hamstrings to reach a fully upright position.
  3. Squeeze at the Top: Squeeze your glutes briefly at the top, ensuring your body is in a straight line from shoulders to ankles.
  4. Hinging Descent: Reverse the movement with control, maintaining tension. Hinge at your hips and lower the dumbbells in a controlled path back to the starting point.
  5. Reset: Briefly rest the dumbbells on the ground, then repeat the motion.

Tips:

  • "Pull the slack out": Before initiating the lift, create slight tension on the dumbbells to optimize tightness.
  • Bar path: The dumbbells should move in a near-vertical line, close to your shins and thighs.
  • Don't round your back: Keep your back neutral throughout, focusing on hinging at the hips.
  • Breathe: Exhale at the top of the lift and inhale as you descend.

Common mistakes: Rounding the back instead of maintaining a neutral spine, and letting the dumbbells drift too far away from the body during the movement.

Alternatives

Leg Curl

seated leg curl

Hamstrings
Barbell

barbell deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Barbell

barbell romanian deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Bench

reverse hyper on bench

HamstringsGlutes
None

good morning

Hamstrings
Resistance Band

resistance band leg curl

Hamstrings
None

sliding floor bridge curl on towel

HamstringsGlutes
Landmine

landmine romanian deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Kettlebell

kettlebell deadlift

HamstringsGlutes+1
Barbell

dumbbell deadlift

HamstringsGlutes+1
Kettlebell

kettlebell one arm legged deadlift

HamstringsGlutes+1
Kettlebell

kettlebell suitcase deadlift

HamstringsGlutes+1
Lying Leg Curl

machine lying leg curl

Hamstrings
Dumbbell

dumbbell romanian deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Barbell

barbell sumo deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Barbell

barbell stiff-leg deadlift

HamstringsGlutes
Barbell

barbell sumo romanian deadlift

HamstringsGlutes