Kettlebell Clean

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Explosive full-body movement that transitions a kettlebell from the ground to the rack position at chest height, targeting glutes, hamstrings, and quads to build power, strength, and coordination.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Lats, Traps, Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Calves

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

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

9/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts

Lats

5/10

Traps

5/10

Upper Traps

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Calves

2/10

Gastrocnemius

Programming

Typical Rep Range

3-8 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, kettlebell on floor between feet. Hinge at hips to grip handle with one hand using hook grip, back flat, core braced.

  1. Hinge hips back and swing kettlebell between legs to load hamstrings and glutes.
  2. Explosively drive hips forward and extend knees to propel kettlebell upward.
  3. Keep kettlebell close to body with vertical path, elbow tucked.
  4. Rotate wrist to punch hand through handle as kettlebell reaches chest.
  5. Catch softly in rack position with elbow down and wrist neutral.
  6. Hinge hips to drop kettlebell back between legs for next rep.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive with hips
  • Keep bell close
  • Punch through top
  • Soft rack catch
  • Neutral spine always

Breathing

Inhale during backswing and brace core; exhale forcefully during hip drive and catch.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

From floor between feet to stable rack at chest with forearm support; full hip extension without back rounding.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back or wrist issues
  • Use hook grip to prevent forearm impact
  • Start light to master technique
  • Maintain neutral spine to protect back
  • Control descent to avoid jerking

Spotting

Not typically needed; use lighter weight or practice rack holds for self-support.

Common Mistakes

  • Arm pulling instead of hip drive
  • Wrist banging from loose path
  • Rounding back on hinge
  • Overusing biceps to curl
  • Dropping bell away from body

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back strain
  • Wrist instability
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip hinge mobility
  • Shoulder flexion for rack
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for drive

Build Up First

  • Master kettlebell swing
  • Hip hinge proficiency
  • Basic grip strength

Also known as

KB Clean, Single Kettlebell Clean

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