This is another post in our series of Fitness Saturday exercises and workouts appropriate to women in the second half of life. Personal trainer Brooke Marrone, president and founder of Brooke Marrone Fitness, in New York City, is our fitness guru.

The Single-Leg Deadlift is a  full-body movement that will challenge your balance, strength, and flexibility.

With or without dumbbells, stand on your right leg with your left leg slightly behind you. Make sure your standing leg is not locked and has a slight bend. 

Keeping your back straight and your shoulders down, hinge forward at your hips, reaching your hands or weights toward the ground as you lift your back leg straight out behind you.

Pause at the bottom of the movement when your body forms the letter T. You want to have your shoulder blades retracted and your head a natural extension of your spine. Make sure you do not round your back at any point or reach your arms down too far toward the floor. Your back leg should be strong and in line with your body.

Repeat 12–15x each leg.

Beginners: Start without weights until you are ready to advance.

Muscles Worked: glutes, hamstrings, low back.