Dumbbell Deadlift (neutral grip)

The dumbbell deadlift with a neutral grip targets the posterior chain, including the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. This exercise improves strength and stability.

  1. Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip.
  2. Bend at the hips and knees, lowering the dumbbells toward the floor while keeping your back straight.
  3. Engage your glutes and hamstrings to lift the dumbbells back to the starting position.
  4. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

How to perform the Dumbbell Deadlift (neutral grip)

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Dumbbell Deadlift (neutral grip) using your dumbbell.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your hamstrings.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your hamstrings rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

Build a free routine

Stage exercises here, then sign up to save them as a real Fitly routine — synced to web and mobile.

View staged routine (0)

Related exercises

0 exercises staged Save your routine — sign up free.