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Double Kettlebell Swing

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A ballistic hip hinge with two kettlebells that targets glutes, hamstrings, and erector spinae to build power, strength, and conditioning; advanced progression from single kettlebell swings.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Lats, Traps, Obliques, Quads, Shoulders

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Power
Conditioning

Training Style

CrossFit
Functional Training
Weightlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

8/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Lower Back

7/10

Erector Spinae

Forearms

6/10

Flexors

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lats

4/10

Traps

4/10

Upper Traps

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Quads

3/10

Shoulders

3/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-30 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Place two equal kettlebells side by side on the floor 6-12 inches in front of you. Stand in a wide stance with toes slightly out, hinge at hips to grip handles with neutral grip, keeping back flat and core braced.

  1. Hike kettlebells back between legs aggressively, stretching hamstrings while maintaining neutral spine.
  2. Explosively drive hips forward and extend knees to propel kettlebells to chest height.
  3. At top, form upright plank with glutes squeezed and abs tight, arms straight.
  4. Allow kettlebells to descend naturally as you hinge hips back.
  5. Guide kettlebells between legs for next rep without rounding back.
  6. Continue fluid motion for all reps, controlling descent.
  7. Lower kettlebells to floor at end with flat back.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips drive the swing
  • Arms as ropes, don't pull
  • Squeeze glutes at top
  • Neutral spine always
  • Brace core tight
  • Wide stance for clearance

Breathing

Inhale during descent and hike phase; exhale forcefully through mouth at top of swing while bracing core.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Kettlebells swing from between legs at hip height to chest height with full hip extension; avoid hyperextension or rounding of spine.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Master single kettlebell swing first
  • Avoid if acute lower back injury
  • Use lighter bells to learn form
  • Maintain neutral spine to prevent strain
  • Wider stance prevents bell interference
  • Controlled descent avoids momentum loss of control

Spotting

Spotting not typically required; use lighter weights or partner for form feedback if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Squatting instead of hinging
  • Rounding lower back
  • Using arms to lift
  • Hyperextending at top
  • Narrow stance hitting legs
  • Letting bells pull you down

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Hip impingement
  • Poor grip strength leading to drops

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip hinge mobility
  • Shoulder flexibility for neutral grip
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for stable stance

Build Up First

  • Master single kettlebell swing
  • Proficient hip hinge pattern
  • Strong core bracing ability

Also known as

Two Kettlebell Swing, Double KB Swing, Double Russian Kettlebell Swing

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