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Exercise guide

One-Arm Side Deadlift

How to do the One-Arm Side Deadlift with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

CompoundBarbellExpertPull
Primary muscles

Quads

Secondary

Abs, Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back, Traps

Equipment

Barbell

Step by step

How to do the One-Arm Side Deadlift

  1. 1

    Stand to the side of a barbell next to its center. Bend your knees and lower your body until you are able to reach the barbell.

  2. 2

    Grasp the bar as if you were grabbing a briefcase (palms facing you since the bar is sideways). You may need a wrist wrap if you are using a significant amount of weight. This is your starting position.

  3. 3

    Use your legs to help lift the barbell up while exhaling. Your arms should extend fully as bring the barbell up until you are in a standing position.

  4. 4

    Slowly bring the barbell back down while inhaling. Tip: Make sure to bend your knees while lowering the weight to avoid any injury from occurring.

  5. 5

    Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

  6. 6

    Switch arms and repeat the movement.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every One-Arm Side Deadlift set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your quads volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Related

More quads exercises

FAQ

One-Arm Side Deadlift: common questions

What muscles does the One-Arm Side Deadlift work?

The One-Arm Side Deadlift primarily works the Quads. It also recruits the Abs, Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back and Traps as supporting muscles.

Is the One-Arm Side Deadlift suitable for beginners?

The One-Arm Side Deadlift is an expert-level exercise. It demands well-developed strength, mobility and technique, so it suits experienced lifters more than beginners.

What equipment do I need for the One-Arm Side Deadlift?

To do the One-Arm Side Deadlift you'll need a barbell.

Is the One-Arm Side Deadlift a compound or isolation exercise?

The One-Arm Side Deadlift is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.

How do I do the One-Arm Side Deadlift with correct form?

Stand to the side of a barbell next to its center. Bend your knees and lower your body until you are able to reach the barbell. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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