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Kettlebell Swing

Kettlebell Swing is an intermediate compound kettlebell exercise that mainly works your hamstrings, with help from your calves, glutes, lower back and shoulders.

💪 Hamstrings🏋️ Kettlebell📈 Intermediate🔗 Compound🎯 3-5 sets of 5-10 reps
Kettlebell Swing: starting position
Starting position
Kettlebell Swing: end position
End position

Muscles worked

Primary: HamstringsSecondary: CalvesSecondary: GlutesSecondary: Lower backSecondary: Shoulders

Sets and reps

For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.

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Kettlebell Swing alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Romanian DeadliftBarbell · IntermediateDumbbell CleanDumbbell · IntermediateNatural Glute Ham RaiseBodyweight · IntermediateSmith Machine Hang Power CleanMachine · IntermediateAlternating Hang CleanKettlebell · IntermediateBall Leg CurlOther · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the kettlebell swing work?

It mainly works your hamstrings; your calves, glutes, lower back and shoulders assist.

How many sets and reps of kettlebell swing should I do?

For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.

Is the kettlebell swing good for beginners?

It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.

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