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Proper Kettlebell Swing Form

By October 10, 2012January 11th, 2014Glute Training, Strength Training

I wanted to put together a compilation of the best kettlebell swing videos I’ve seen for my readers. But before I do this, I first want to give a shout-out to Pavel Tsatsouline, the Russian broseph who popularized the swing in America and created a platform to educate and inspire each of the 3 gentlemen below whose videos I’m featuring. Pavel, you’re a badass and the S&C industry is grateful for your incredible contributions.

Pavel Tsatsouline: Russian Badass

Now that that’s off my chest, here you go:

1. Keats Snideman

When you have 6 minutes to spare, watch this:

2. Dan John

When you have 14 minutes to spare, watch this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVEReOq5Jgs

3. Joe Sansalone

When you have 40 minutes to spare, watch this 4-part series:

Hope you enjoy the videos! Thanks to Keats, Dan, and Joe: we appreciate the free content – you guys rock.

15 Comments

  • Lynda Lippin says:

    As always, Bret, Thank You! This is a perfect introduction and then deeper layers of the biomechanics of a seemingly simple exercise that we both know is highly complex and highly effective when done well.

  • Marianne Kane says:

    Dan John seriously rocks! He makes things so easy to understand.

    Notice how most of the class (in Dan’s vid) do not keep the arms connected to the body during the back-swing. Not sure if this is WHY people are pulled into more of a squat style, or if the natural tendency toward squat style causes this disconnect.

    When I deliberately try to do a squat style for demonstrations of inefficient form, I struggle to make it look like a squat, unless I let the weight pull me down by disconnecting my arms from my torso. The arms cue the hinge in the swing.

    All very interesting 🙂

  • Eric says:

    Bret, I’d go even further and add that the neck should indeed be packed as much as possible. This is my opinion, coming from the field of physical therapy and my understanding of some basic biomechanical intricacies at play; and our friend Charlie Weingroff (yes, I know, biased, as he’s also a PT :)) would also tend to agree… See here: http://charlieweingroff.com/2010/11/packing-in-the-neck/

  • Fei Lincoln says:

    An useful information packed post! I learned a ton. As usual, thanks Bret!

  • karina says:

    Thank you Bret for this information and you are the best!

  • Sarah says:

    Hi Bret,

    great video. Another excellent kettlebell swing is Ms. Kane’s up here. 🙂

    Cheers
    Sarah

  • Kris Crepeau says:

    This is good stuff Bret! Always a good idea to go back to basics and reevaluate to make sure you don’t get into bad habits. Thanks for sharing!

  • Mitch says:

    Good stuff. I’ve seen some interesting “swings” by people at my gym…

    When I wanted to learn the swing I hired an RKC certified instructor to teach me. One hour later I was confident and proficient.

  • Great post. Is there a quality video/guide out there for proper American/OH Kettlebell Swing Form as well?

  • Keith says:

    Just wondering if there is any benefit to swinging the KB above the head the way Crossfitters do?

  • Patrick Harris says:

    Hey Brett, Great post. I take it you are now back home having completed your study here in NZ?

  • Matias says:

    Hey Brett. Today, Wednesday, is National Butt Day. What’s up!?

  • Sebastian says:

    Hey Bret,

    I was wondering about 2 swinging option and in how far they differ from the swings you have been advertising here.

    first how about double kettlebell swings between the legs and second how about swinging 2 kettlebells outside of the legs.

    my problem is going heavy since most places don’t have more than 80lbs bells to swing. would this work or does it change too much.

    by the way, I built that handle from the t-nation article so I could get my swings on at home and daily. good post…

    thanks

  • stef says:

    Have been suffering from debilitating quadriceps tendinopathy brought on by faulty kettlebel swings.I now only do squats,deadlifts for posterior chain development and avoid kettlebels all together to save my joints.

  • Sam says:

    Have you put much time into traditional Russian GS swings?

    Involves significantly more control, less ballistic, single arm.

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