Barbell Lunge vs Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift

Which one fits your Leg workout plan?

Contents

Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 4. Compare Leg form cues and when to progress.

Compare the benefits of Barbell Lunge and Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.

Barbell Lunge vs Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift more often — 1,591 sessions compared to 1,367 for Barbell Lunge.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Lunge and Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

How Barbell Lunge and Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift Differ

What differsBarbell LungeDumbbell One Leg Deadlift
Equipmenta barbella dumbbell
Difficulty4 of 52 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users1,367 sessions1,591 sessions

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Not sure whether Barbell Lunge or Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Barbell Lunge

Barbell Lunge demo video

Barbell Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg

Form

  1. 1. Step one foot forward and lower yourself until the angle of both knees is 90 degrees.
  2. 2. Keep your chest open and your back straight as you return to the starting position.
  3. 3. Switch legs and perform the same on the opposite side.
  4. 4. Proceed one side at a time or alternate between sides.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
  2. 2. When bending your knees, please make sure that the knee of the foot you step forward with does not go beyond the foot.
  3. 3. Please ensure that your center of gravity does not lean too far forward.

For a full Barbell Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Lunge exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Barbell Lunge?Exercise Guide

How to Do Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift

Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift demo video

Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift Muscles Worked: Leg

Form

  1. 1. Keep the knee joint fixed in an extended position and slowly bend your waist while stretching one leg back.
  2. 2. As you lower down, bring the dumbbell down close to your body.
  3. 3. Keep your gaze slightly forward.
  4. 4. As you lower your leg, slowly return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to let your gaze drop to the floor.
  2. 2. Please be careful not to bend your knees excessively.
  3. 3. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your back.

For a full Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Leg, Barbell Lunge or Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift?

Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

What equipment do Barbell Lunge and Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift need?

Barbell Lunge needs a barbell, and Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift needs a dumbbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell One Leg Deadlift is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Lunge once your form holds up.

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