The Kettlebell Deadlift: Techniques, Benefits, and Variations

Kettlebell deadlifts are a staple in kettlebell training.

Incorporating the deadlift into your training improves coordination, balance, and flexibility and is an effective compound movement in strengthening the hamstrings, quads, glutes, lower back, and core muscles.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The kettlebell deadlift is a staple in kettlebell training and a compound movement that primarily works the muscles in the posterior chain.
• Kettlebell deadlifts can be used for strength, hypertrophy, and cardio training.
• There are many variations of the kettlebell deadlift that you can incorporate into your training.

KETTLEBELL DEADLIFT TARGET MUSCLES

A compound movement and kettlebell staple, the deadlift works the full body, but puts a strong emphasis on the following muscles groups:

• Hamstrings
• Quads
• Lower Back
• Forearms
• Core

HOW TO PERFORM THE KETTLEBELL DEADLIFT

THE RIGHT WEIGHT

Choosing the right weight for the kettlebell deadlift incorporates a few different factors.

1. Your strength and mobility.
2. Your expertise in kettlebells.
3. Your training program.

If you are new to kettlebells, choose a lightweight bell to practice your form.

If you're a kettlebell pro, the weight you choose will depend on your rep ranges.

1-6 reps for strength, choose a heavy kettlebell.

8-12 reps for hypertrophy, choose a medium to heavy kettlebell.

15-20 reps for endurance, choose a medium kettlebell.

THE STARTING POSITION

The kettlebell deadlift requires strength and mobility, especially in the hamstrings and glutes.

You'll be using a shoulder to hip-width stance and the kettlebell should be placed directly under you and centered between your feet.

THE GRIP

Both hands will be using an overhand grip with your thumbs wrapped around the handle of the kettlebell.

THE MOVEMENT

Start with your feet shoulder to hip-width apart, with the kettlebell placed under you and directly between your feet.

Reach down, slightly bend at the knees, hinge at the hips, and grip the kettlebell by the handle with both hands while keeping a neutral spine.

Engage your core and glutes, keep your arms extended, and push through your feet to raise the kettlebell in a straight line to hip level.

Reverse the movement to return to the starting position.

(This kettlebell exercise is a compound movement. If you feel pulling in your back, you need to lower the weight and practice your kettlebell deadlift form before increasing the weight again.)

KETTLEBELL DEADLIFT BENEFITS

The kettlebell deadlift is a compound movement that targets the hamstrings, quads, lower back, forearms, and core muscles.

Below are our favorite three benefits of the kettlebell deadlift.

STRENGTHENS THE POSTERIOR CHAIN

The deadlift works to strengthen the muscles of the posterior chain, which are the muscle and structure of the back of the legs and spine.

In this case, the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.

A strong posterior chain...

• Improves and maintains posture.
• Increases power and explosiveness.
• Helps to reduce the risk of injury.

Add the kettlebell deadlift to your training to strengthen the muscles of your posterior chain for the best performance.

IMPROVES CORE STRENGTH

By keeping your core engaged throughout the entire movement, the kb deadlift works to strengthen the core muscles to protect the back muscles.

IMPROVE GRIP STRENGTH

A benefit that can be reaped from all kettlebell movements, grip strength is an integral part of kettlebell training.

Adding kettlebells to your training is a guaranteed way to improve your grip strength.

KETTLEBELL DEADLIFT VARIATIONS

The deadlift has many variations that can be used to improve training. Whether it's using double bells or creating a flow off the deadlift movement, the possibilities are endless.

Here's our top three variations:

• Kettlebell Double Deadlift
• Kettlebell Deadlift to High Pull
• Kettlebell Deadlift to Squat Clean

KETTLEBELL DOUBLE DEADLIFT

Once you've mastered the single kettlebell deadlift, challenge yourself with double bells.

KETTLEBELL DEADLIFT TO HIGH PULL

A simple flow that combines the deadlift and high pull into one fluid movement.

KETTLEBELL DEADLIFT TO SQUAT CLEAN

This exercise combines three movements into one fluid flow to work the entire body.

THE BENEFITS OF KETTLEBELL WORKOUTS

Kettlebell workouts can improve your strength, mobility, cardio, and functional fitness to help you reach your fitness goals.

Whether your goals are to build muscle, improve cardio, lose fat, or incorporate different types of exercises into your training, you won't regret picking up a bell.

Don't have a bell? Try these alternatives:

• Dumbbell Deadlifts
• Trap Bar Deadlifts
• Barbell Deadlift

WANT MORE KETTLEBELL EXERCISES?

We got you.

Check out these kettlebell training articles for more ideas on how to incorporate kettlebells into your training.

• Kettlebell Training for Athletes
• The Best Kettlebell AB Workout in 6 Exercises 
• How to Use Kettlebell Goblet Squats to Build Stronger Legs