How to perform Dumbbell Kettlebell Swing with proper form
Starting Position
- Stance: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointing outward.
- Grip: Hold a dumbbell with both hands, palms facing each other, letting it hang between your legs.
Execution
- Hinge: Bend at your hips and knees while keeping your back flat. Push your hips back to lower the dumbbell between your legs.
- Swing: Drive your hips forward explosively, allowing the dumbbell to swing upward towards shoulder height. Keep your arms extended but relaxed.
- Alignment: At the top of the swing, your body should form a straight line from your head to your heels. Engage your core and squeeze your glutes.
- Descent: Lower the dumbbell back down by hinging at the hips again, maintaining control as it swings back down.
Breathing
- Inhale as you hinge down.
- Exhale forcefully as you drive your hips forward and swing the dumbbell up.
Key Points
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout.
- Avoid using your arms to lift the weight; focus on hip thrust.
- Keep your movements smooth and controlled.
Common Mistakes
- Rounding the back: Keep a straight back.
- Lifting with arms: Use hip drive, not arm strength.
- Overextending: Don't let the dumbbell go higher than shoulder height.
By following these steps, you can perform the Dumbbell Kettlebell Swing effectively and safely.
Exercises

Back Extension, Bodyweight
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings

Back Extension, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Core
Target: Back
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings

Box Squat, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Box Squat, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Bulgarian Split Squat, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Cable Pull Through, Cable
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes
Synergist: Back, Hamstrings

Calf Press on Leg Press, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Calves

Calf Press on Seated Leg Press, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Calves, Quadriceps
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings

Clean, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Clean and Jerk, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Deadlift, Barbell
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Cable
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Smith Machine
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Band
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Kettlebell
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes, Back, Hamstrings
Synergist: Quadriceps, Calves, Abs, Forearms

Deadlift High Pull, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Pull
Target: Shoulders, Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Biceps, Forearms, Calves, Back

Deficit Deadlift, Barbell
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes
Synergist: Hamstrings, Back, Quadriceps, Calves

Deficit Deadlift, Trap Bar
Type: Lower, Pull
Target: Glutes
Synergist: Hamstrings, Back, Quadriceps, Calves