Ballistic Row (Kettlebell)
Level
intermediate
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Primary Muscles
A dynamic rowing variation with explosive hip extension, combining posterior chain power with back muscle engagement.
Instructions
- Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a kettlebell in one hand at your side.
- Hinge at the hips, keeping your back straight, allowing the kettlebell to hang in front of your leg.
- Explosively extend your hips and drive your elbow upward, pulling the kettlebell to your ribcage.
- Keep your elbow close to your body throughout the pull.
- Control the kettlebell as it returns to the starting position in front of your leg.
- Complete your set on one side, then switch arms.
Tips
- Initiate the movement with hip extension rather than arm strength.
- Keep the kettlebell close to your body throughout the movement.
- Squeeze your back muscles at the top of the pull.
- Control the descent to build eccentric strength.
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- Perform equal reps on both sides for balanced development.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps | 13 kg | 9 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 12 kg | 8 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 9 kg | 6 kg |
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