I learn many things from observing clients. One thing I noticed with my stronger female clients is that when they’d perform heavy kettlebell deadlifts, many would naturally begin to perform a modified swinging motion. The kettlebell would sink back and rise up in an arced motion (sort of a half-deadlift/half-swing movement). I tried this out myself and found that it was an excellent glute exercise and served as an intermediate between kettlebell deadlifts and heavy ass kettlebell swings.

Here’s how it looks:

If you only have lighter kettlebells, it’s perfectly acceptable to simply perform the barbell deadlift in addition to lighter kettlebell swings. As time ensues, barbell loading can increase in and heavier kettlebells can be utilized.

However, another option is to begin with heavy kettlebell deadlifts, transition into the modified deadlift/swing, and finally into the full swing. Or, it can simply be used as a variation to perform every once in a while as it could assist the deadlift or swing movements.

I believe that more coaches and trainers should be purchasing heavier kettlebells for their athletes and clients – you’ll use them all the time, trust me!