StrengthIntermediatekettlebell

Kettlebell Swing

A ballistic hip-hinge movement where you swing a kettlebell between your legs and up to chest height. Develops explosive hip power and posterior chain strength.

How to do it

  1. 1Hinge at hips, gripping the kettlebell with both hands
  2. 2Drive hips forward explosively to propel the bell
  3. 3Arms stay straight — power comes from the hips, not the shoulders
  4. 4At the top, body forms a tall plank; squeeze glutes hard
  5. 5Let the bell fall, hinging back as it passes your hips

Common mistakes

  • Squatting instead of hinging at the hips
  • Using the arms to lift the weight
  • Hyperextending the lower back at the top

Muscles worked

gluteshamstringscoreshouldersforearmslower back

Variations

Easier

Kettlebell deadlift

Harder

Single-arm kettlebell swing or American swing (overhead)

Used in

Related exercises

Get this exercise in your daily plan

TextFit sends personalized workouts via text. Every exercise is tailored to your goals, equipment, and fitness level.

14-day free trial. No app to download.