Kettlebell Deadlift

How to perform the Kettlebell Deadlift

1. Stand over a kettlebell with the feet shoulder-width and the bell centered between the arches.
2. Hinge the hips back and bend the knees to grip the handle with both hands.
3. Because the bell sits between the feet rather than in front, the torso can stay more upright than a barbell pull.
4. Take the slack out, brace, and drive through the floor to stand tall with the bell.
5. Keep the bell close under the hips as the hips and shoulders rise together.
6. Lock out standing tall with squeezed glutes, then hinge the hips back to lower the bell.

Suggested working range: 8–12 reps. Default progression: double progression.

Common mistakes

• •Squatting the bell up with the hips too low instead of hinging to the handle.
• •Rounding the back to reach the handle rather than hinging and bending the knees.
• •Letting the bell drift forward of the mid-foot on the way up.
• •Jerking the bell off the floor without first taking the slack out.

Variations & alternatives

Swap in a related movement if equipment, recovery, or progression demands it.