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Dumbbell B-Stance Romanian Deadlift

Intermediate
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A unilateral dumbbell hip hinge movement, the B-Stance RDL targets the hamstrings and glutes while significantly loading one leg. It develops unilateral strength and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Hamstrings, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Stability
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Hamstrings

9/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Lower Back

6/10

Erector Spinae

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Rest slightly longer between sets to manage stability demands.

How to Perform

Hold a dumbbell in each hand and assume a B-stance (kickstand) position. Place 80-90% of your weight on the front leg, using the rear toe lightly for balance. Maintain a soft bend in the front knee.

  1. Brace your core and initiate the movement by pushing your hips straight backward.
  2. Maintain a flat back and rigid torso as you hinge, allowing the dumbbells to trace the front thigh.
  3. Lower the dumbbells until you feel a deep stretch in the hamstrings of the working leg.
  4. Squeeze your glutes and hamstrings to reverse the motion, driving your hips forward.
  5. Return to the upright starting position without hyperextending your back.
  6. Complete all prescribed repetitions on one leg before switching sides.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips back, not down.
  • Weight in front heel.
  • Maintain rigid spine.
  • Keep dumbbells close.
  • Push through the floor.

Breathing

Inhale deeply while lowering the weight, maintaining core tension. Exhale forcefully as you drive your hips forward and return to the start.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower the dumbbells until you feel a strong stretch in the hamstring of the working leg, stopping just before the lower back rounds.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Keep the load moderate until excellent hip hinge mechanics are mastered.
  • Always maintain neutral spinal alignment throughout the entire repetition.
  • Stop the descent immediately if you feel lower back discomfort or rounding.

Spotting

Not recommended; focus on using a manageable load. If balance is an issue, lightly touch a stable object for support.

Common Mistakes

  • Allowing the lower back to round (spinal flexion).
  • Transferring too much weight to the rear foot.
  • Bending the working knee too much (turning it into a squat).
  • Letting the torso collapse or chest drop.

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury or pain.
  • Significant hamstring tears.

Flexibility Needed

  • Competent hamstring flexibility.
  • Adequate ankle stability.

Build Up First

  • Mastery of the bilateral Romanian Deadlift.
  • Hip hinge competency.

Also known as

Kickstand Deadlift, B-Stance RDL, Kickstand RDL, Split Stance RDL

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