Dead Stop Swing (Kettlebell)
Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
A kettlebell swing variation where the bell comes to a complete stop between reps, eliminating momentum and requiring pure power generation.
Instructions
- Stand with feet hip-width to shoulder-width apart with a kettlebell on the ground between your feet.
- Hinge at the hips and grab the kettlebell with both hands, keeping your back straight.
- Explosively extend your hips and drive the kettlebell to chest height.
- Allow the kettlebell to come to a complete stop at the bottom between reps.
- Immediately repeat the explosive hip extension to begin the next rep.
- Continue for the desired number of reps.
Tips
- Reset completely between reps; there is no rhythm or momentum carry-over.
- Generate all power from your hip extension, not your arms.
- Keep your core tight and chest up throughout the movement.
- Maintain a neutral spine and avoid excessive lower back rounding.
- This variation is excellent for building pure power and strength.
- Breathe out forcefully as you explosively extend your hips.
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 | 12 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 12 kg | 11 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 9 kg | 8 kg |
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