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Kettlebell Figure Eight

Intermediate
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Kettlebell Figure Eight is a dynamic full-body exercise that passes the kettlebell in a figure-8 pattern between the legs, targeting glutes, hamstrings, and core to improve coordination, balance, and functional endurance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Endurance
Conditioning
Stability

Training Style

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

8/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Quads

7/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out. Place kettlebell on floor between feet, hinge at hips to grasp with both hands, then stand tall holding it in front.

  1. Hinge at hips and soften knees to swing kettlebell back between legs.
  2. Pass kettlebell to one hand behind the leg.
  3. Circle kettlebell around the outside of the leg to the front.
  4. Transfer kettlebell to the other hand between legs.
  5. Swing around the opposite leg and drive hips forward to stand tall.
  6. Repeat in alternating directions for continuous flow.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Brace core tight
  • Drive from hips
  • Keep neutral spine
  • Arms guide like pendulum
  • Eyes forward
  • Control momentum

Breathing

Inhale during the hip hinge and swing back; exhale as you drive hips forward and stand.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Hinge until torso is near parallel with kettlebell passing fully between legs; extend fully at top with hips forward and neutral spine.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weight to master form
  • Ensure clear space around you
  • Avoid if acute lower back pain present
  • Use proper grip to prevent wrist strain
  • Progress slowly to avoid momentum loss of control
  • Consult professional if new to kettlebells

Spotting

Not typically needed; perform solo in open space with focus on self-control.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding lower back
  • Pulling with arms
  • Excessive knee bend
  • Losing core tension
  • Hitting legs with kettlebell
  • Too much forward lean

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Shoulder instability
  • Recent hip surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip hinge mobility
  • Shoulder flexibility for arm swings
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for stance

Build Up First

  • Master basic hip hinge
  • Familiar with kettlebell grip
  • Coordination for hand transfers

Also known as

KB Figure 8, Kettlebell Eight, Figure Eight Swing

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