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Last updated February 2, 2026
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Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)
Hold a kettlebell with both hands. Push your hips back to lower the weight towards the floor. Keep your back completely flat.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- 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.
- Step 1Setup
- Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart, holding a kettlebell with both hands in front of your thighs.
- Keep your knees slightly bent and hinge forward at your hips, lowering the kettlebell towards the ground while maintaining a straight back.
- Step 2Grip the Kettlebell
- Use both hands to grip the kettlebell handle with an overhand grip.
- Ensure your arms are straight and your shoulders are back and down.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Engage your core and keep your back straight as you hinge at the hips.
- Your head should be in a neutral position, looking forward, not down.
- Step 4Lower the Kettlebell
- Lower the kettlebell towards the ground by pushing your hips back, keeping the kettlebell close to your body.
- Go down until you feel a stretch in your hamstrings, ensuring your back remains straight.
- Step 5Lift the Kettlebell
- Drive through your heels and extend your hips forward to lift the kettlebell back up to the starting position.
- Keep your core engaged and maintain a straight back throughout the lift.
- Step 6Repeat
- Repeat the lowering and lifting motion for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining proper form with each rep to avoid injury.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully set the kettlebell down on the floor.
- Stand upright and take a moment to recover before moving on to your next exercise.