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Double Kettlebell Clean

Intermediate
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Double kettlebell clean that redirects swing momentum to rack position, targeting glutes, hamstrings, and quads to build explosive power and coordination; commonly scaled by kettlebell weight or single-arm variation.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Traps, Shoulders, Forearms

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Power
Strength
Conditioning

Training Style

Weightlifting
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

10/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

9/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Lower Back

6/10

Erector Spinae

Lats

5/10

Traps

5/10

Upper Traps, Lower Traps

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

3-10 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Place two equal kettlebells 12-18 inches in front of feet, shoulder-width stance. Hinge at hips to grip handles neutrally, back flat, lats engaged.

  1. Hike kettlebells back between legs with hip hinge, arms relaxed.
  2. Explosively drive hips forward, extending knees and body upward.
  3. Pull elbows tight to sides as bells rise past waist.
  4. Rotate hands around bells to catch in rack on forearms near chest.
  5. Brace core and glutes in rack position, standing tall.
  6. Unravel bells forward from rack, hinge hips to descend controlled between legs.
  7. Repeat for reps, guiding bells smoothly.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive with hips, not arms.
  • Keep bells close to body.
  • Tuck elbows in tight.
  • Brace core throughout.
  • Catch with straight wrists.

Breathing

Inhale during backswing and descent; exhale forcefully during hip drive and catch.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Kettlebells travel from ground level through hip hinge to full rack at shoulders, with elbows under bells and wrists straight.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Master single kettlebell clean first.
  • Use lighter weights to perfect technique.
  • Avoid if acute back or shoulder pain.
  • Ensure clear space for swing path.
  • Use chalk for grip if needed.

Spotting

Not recommended; perform in open space with self-control, use lighter bells for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding back during hinge.
  • Curling bells with arms.
  • Letting bells crash on forearms.
  • Casting bells away from body.
  • Poor core bracing in rack.

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Wrist injuries

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip hinge mobility
  • Shoulder flexion for rack position

Build Up First

  • Proficient kettlebell swing
  • Master single kettlebell clean

Also known as

Double KB Clean, Kettlebell Double Clean, Double Bell Clean

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