← Back to library
Last updated March 30, 2026
AbductorsGlutesAdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsLatsLower BackTeres MajorTrapeziusCardio
Swing (Kettlebell)
Hinge at your hips to swing the kettlebell between your legs. Snap your hips forward explosively to float the weight up to chest height. Your arms are just hooks; legs do the work.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Low
- Calorie Burn
- High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Glutes (max)
Secondary
Hamstrings
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 with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell with both hands in front of you.
- Position the kettlebell between your feet, ensuring your back is straight and your core is engaged.
- Step 2Hinge at the Hips
- Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight.
- Grip the kettlebell with both hands, palms facing you, and let it hang down in front of you.
- Step 3Prepare to Swing
- Pull your shoulders back and down, engaging your lats and core.
- Look forward, keeping your neck in a neutral position.
- Step 4Initiate the Swing
- Drive through your heels and thrust your hips forward, swinging the kettlebell back between your legs.
- Keep your arms straight and allow the kettlebell to swing back naturally.
- Step 5Swing Forward
- As the kettlebell swings back, thrust your hips forward explosively, allowing the kettlebell to swing up to shoulder height.
- Keep your arms straight and let the momentum of your hips drive the kettlebell.
- Step 6Control the Descent
- As the kettlebell begins to descend, guide it back down between your legs while hinging at the hips again.
- Maintain a strong core and keep your back straight throughout the movement.
- Step 7Repeat
- Continue swinging the kettlebell for the desired number of repetitions, focusing on maintaining proper form.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully set the kettlebell down on the ground.
- Stand up straight and take a moment to catch your breath before moving on.
Alternatives & variations
Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.
_Thighs_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Hip Thrust (Barbell)
Glutes (max)
-(male)_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Frog Reverse Hyperextension
Glutes (max)

Sumo Deadlift (Smith)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Zercher Back Extension (Barbell)
Lower Back

Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Hip Thrust (Smith)
Glutes (max)

Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)
Glutes (max)

Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)
Quads

Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)
Quads

Sumo Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Glute Bridge (Band)
Glutes (max)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)
Hamstrings

Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Hack Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Shuttle (Band)
Quads

Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)
Quads

Lunge (Barbell)
Quads

Squat (Smith)
Quads

Box Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Squat - Wide (Barbell)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)
Quads

Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)
Hamstrings
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Glute Press (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Thighs-FIX_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Pull Through (Cable)
Glutes (max)

Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)
Glutes (max)

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)
Quads

Hack Squat
Quads

Rear Kick - Standing (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Glute Kickback (Cable)
Glutes (max)
-(left)_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Kickback - Kneeling, Straight Leg
Glutes (max)

Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)
Glutes (max)

Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Landmine Deadlift
Hamstrings

Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)
Quads

Lateral Lunge (Barbell)
Quads

Pause Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Deadlift - (Trap Bar)
Quads

Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Leg Kickback (Band)
Glutes (max)

Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)
Quads

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)
Hamstrings

Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)
Glutes (max)

Rear Decline Bridge
Glutes (max)

Squat (Band)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bent Over Hip Extension (Band)
Glutes (max)
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Hip Extension (v2) (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Hip_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Pull Through (Cable: Rope)
Glutes (max)

Hack Squat (Smith)
Quads