Legs & glutes

Kettlebell deadlift

Lifting a kettlebell from the floor between your feet — the foundation of every kettlebell exercise.

Beginner Low impact Kettlebell
Movement diagram for Kettlebell deadlift: low hinge, knees bent to standing tall
Original diagram — start and finish positions.

How to do it

  1. Stand with the kettlebell on the floor between your feet, feet about hip- to shoulder-width apart.
  2. Push your hips back and bend your knees to reach the handle with both hands, back flat.
  3. Brace your tummy and squeeze the handle.
  4. Stand up by driving through your feet and pushing your hips forward.
  5. Lower the kettlebell back to the floor the same way.

Form tips

  • Shoulders slightly in front of the bell at the start.
  • Lift with your legs and hips, not by pulling with your arms.

Common mistakes

  • Rounding the back.
  • Leaning back at the top.

Easier and harder

Make it easier

Raise the kettlebell on a sturdy step so you do not need to go as low.

Make it harder

Use a heavier bell, or progress to the kettlebell swing.

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