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Kettlebell Side Lunge and Clean

Intermediate
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A dynamic full-body exercise combining a lateral lunge with a kettlebell clean that targets glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core to build lateral strength, explosive power, coordination, and hip mobility.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Quads

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Shoulders, Forearms

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Power
Conditioning
Mobility

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Medius

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Adductors

6/10

Adductor Magnus

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet wider than shoulders, kettlebell on ground outside one foot. Grip kettlebell as you prepare to lunge laterally with the opposite leg.

  1. Step laterally with one foot, hinge at hips, bend knee to lower into side lunge while keeping other leg straight.
  2. Grip kettlebell with hand on lunging side at lunge bottom.
  3. Drive explosively through heel to return to standing, cleaning kettlebell to rack position at shoulder using hip power.
  4. Stand tall with core engaged and kettlebell racked.
  5. Lower kettlebell controlled to ground or swing into next rep.
  6. Switch sides after reps on one side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest up, neutral spine
  • Knee tracks over toes
  • Drive from hips, not arms
  • Catch clean smoothly
  • Core tight, no twist

Breathing

Inhale as you lunge down, brace core and exhale forcefully during the drive and clean.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower in lunge until thigh parallel to ground, clean kettlebell to rest at shoulder without wrist impact.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute hip or knee pain
  • Warm up hips and core thoroughly
  • Start light to master timing
  • Keep knee aligned with toes
  • Maintain flat back to protect spine

Spotting

No spotter needed; use lighter weight or safeties if available for balance support.

Common Mistakes

  • Knee caving inward
  • Rounding back on lunge
  • Arm-dominant clean
  • Banging kettlebell on wrist
  • Twisting torso

When to Avoid

  • Acute hip impingement
  • Knee instability
  • Lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip abduction mobility
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for lunge depth

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in kettlebell side lunge
  • Mastery of kettlebell clean
  • Hip hinge competency

Also known as

KB Lateral Lunge Clean, Side Lunge Kettlebell Clean, Kettlebell Lateral Lunge and Clean

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