Mighty Logo
Mighty
← Back to library
Last updated March 30, 2026
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsLatsLower BackTeres MajorTrapezius

Deadlift (Kettlebell)

Place KB between feet. Hinge hips back. Grab handle and stand up tall, squeezing glutes. Good for learning deadlift pattern.

Quick facts

Level
Intermediate
Mechanic
Compound
Force
Pull
Type
Strength
Injury Risk
Moderate
Hypertrophy
Very High
Calorie Burn
Medium-High

Muscle focus

Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.

Primary

Hamstrings

Secondary

Glutes (max)

Equipment & setup

What you need and how to position yourself before starting.

Equipment

Kettlebell

Movement pattern

Bilateral

Posture

Standing

Tracking parameters

repsweight

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Stand with your feet hip-width apart, with a kettlebell placed between your feet.
    • Ensure your toes are pointing slightly outward and your weight is evenly distributed on your feet.
  2. Step 2Grab the Kettlebell
    • Bend at your hips and knees to lower your body, keeping your back straight.
    • Grip the kettlebell handle with both hands, using an overhand grip.
  3. Step 3Position Your Body
    • Engage your core and keep your chest up as you prepare to lift.
    • Ensure your shoulders are back and your gaze is forward to maintain proper alignment.
  4. Step 4Lift the Kettlebell
    • Push through your heels and extend your hips and knees simultaneously to lift the kettlebell.
    • Keep the kettlebell close to your body as you rise to a standing position.
  5. Step 5Lower the Kettlebell
    • Hinge at your hips and bend your knees to lower the kettlebell back to the ground.
    • Maintain a straight back and engage your core throughout the movement.
  6. Step 6Repeat
    • Perform the lift and lower for the desired number of repetitions, ensuring to maintain proper form each time.
  7. Step 7Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your repetitions, carefully set the kettlebell down on the ground.
    • Stand upright and take a moment to recover before moving on to your next exercise.

Alternatives & variations

Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.

View all exercises
Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)

Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Sumo Deadlift (Smith)

Sumo Deadlift (Smith)

Quads
Deadlift (Barbell)

Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Good Morning (Barbell)

Good Morning (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Hip Thrust (Smith)

Hip Thrust (Smith)

Glutes (max)
Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)

Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)

Quads
Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)

Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)

Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)

Quads
Sumo Squat (Barbell)

Sumo Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Romanian Deadlift (RDL) (Barbell)

Romanian Deadlift (RDL) (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)

Hamstrings
Squat (Barbell)

Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Hack Squat (Barbell)

Hack Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Resistance Shuttle (Band)

Resistance Shuttle (Band)

Quads
Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)

Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)

Quads
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Dumbbell) v2

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Dumbbell) v2

Hamstrings
Lunge (Barbell)

Lunge (Barbell)

Quads
Squat (Smith)

Squat (Smith)

Quads
Box Squat (Barbell)

Box Squat (Barbell)

Quads
Squat - Wide (Barbell)

Squat - Wide (Barbell)

Quads
Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)

Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)

Quads
Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)

Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Deadlift (Smith)

Deadlift (Smith)

Hamstrings
Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)

Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)

Quads
Goblet Squat (Cable)

Goblet Squat (Cable)

Quads
Pull Through (Cable)

Pull Through (Cable)

Glutes (max)
Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)

Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)

Glutes (max)
Swing (Kettlebell)

Swing (Kettlebell)

Glutes (max)
Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)

Quads
Hack Squat

Hack Squat

Quads
Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)

Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)

Glutes (max)
Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)

Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)

Quads
Landmine Deadlift

Landmine Deadlift

Hamstrings
Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)

Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)

Quads
Lateral Lunge (Barbell)

Lateral Lunge (Barbell)

Quads
Pause Deadlift (Barbell)

Pause Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Deadlift - (Trap Bar)

Deadlift - (Trap Bar)

Quads
Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)

Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)

Quads
Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)

Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)

Quads
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Band)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Band)

Hamstrings
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)

Hamstrings
Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)

Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)

Hamstrings
Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)

Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)

Glutes (max)
Rear Decline Bridge

Rear Decline Bridge

Glutes (max)
Deadlift (Dumbbell)

Deadlift (Dumbbell)

Hamstrings
Leg Curl - Seated (Machine)

Leg Curl - Seated (Machine)

Hamstrings
Leg Curl - Lying (Machine)

Leg Curl - Lying (Machine)

Hamstrings
Squat (Band)

Squat (Band)

Quads
Pull Through (Cable: Rope)

Pull Through (Cable: Rope)

Glutes (max)
Leg Curl - Standing (Machine)

Leg Curl - Standing (Machine)

Hamstrings
Hack Squat (Smith)

Hack Squat (Smith)

Quads
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025