One-Arm Side Deadlift
One-Arm Side Deadlift is an expert compound barbell exercise that mainly works your quads, with help from your abs, calves, glutes, hamstrings, lower back and traps.


How to do the one-arm side deadlift
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
- Switch arms and repeat the movement.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
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Start your free trialOne-Arm Side Deadlift alternatives
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What muscles does the one-arm side deadlift work?
It mainly works your quads; your abs, calves, glutes, hamstrings, lower back and traps assist.
How many sets and reps of one-arm side deadlift should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the one-arm side deadlift good for beginners?
It is an advanced movement. Build a base with simpler exercises for the same muscles first, and learn it with light weight or a coach.