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Exercises › Hamstrings › Vertical Swing

Vertical Swing

Vertical Swing is a beginner compound dumbbell plyometrics that mainly works your hamstrings, with help from your glutes, quads and shoulders.

💪 Hamstrings🏋️ Dumbbell📈 Beginner🔗 Compound🎯 3-4 sets of 5-8 reps
Vertical Swing: starting position
Starting position
Vertical Swing: end position
End position

How to do the vertical swing

  1. Allow the dumbbell to hang at arms length between your legs, holding it with both hands. Keep your back straight and your head up.
  2. Swing the dumbbell between your legs, flexing at the hips and bending the knees slightly.
  3. Powerfully reverse the motion by extending at the hips, knees, and ankles to propel yourself upward, swinging the dumbell over your head.
  4. As you land, absorb the impact through your legs and draw the dumbbell to your torso before the next repetition.

Muscles worked

Primary: HamstringsSecondary: GlutesSecondary: QuadsSecondary: Shoulders

Sets and reps

Do 3-4 sets of 5-8 explosive reps with full rest (60-90 seconds) between sets. Quality over quantity: stop when the reps slow down.

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Vertical Swing alternatives

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

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FAQ

What muscles does the vertical swing work?

It mainly works your hamstrings; your glutes, quads and shoulders assist.

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

Do 3-4 sets of 5-8 explosive reps with full rest (60-90 seconds) between sets. Quality over quantity: stop when the reps slow down.

Is the vertical swing good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

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