01/27/2026
Kettlebell swings.
We love them. We hate them. We love to hate them.
I’m firmly in the LOVE THEM camp—but because they’re such a complex, explosive, full-body movement, quality matters way more than quantity (both weight and reps).
Some of the most common complaints I hear with swings:
▶️ low back pain
▶️ neck or mid-back pain
▶️ increased leakage
▶️ heaviness or prolapse symptoms after
▶️ worsening diastasis recti
None of these mean swings are “bad.”
They usually mean the setup or ex*****on needs a tune-up.
A few key focuses to get more reward (there’s a lot) and fewer unwanted side effects 👇
✅ Sit into your heels, find your lats, and cut the slack in the bell.
This keeps you from yanking the kettlebell to get it moving and lets the power come from your hips—not your back.
✅ Keep your lats locked in.
When lats disengage, arms drift forward → more strain on the spine. Lats on = smoother hinge, happier back.
✅ Watch for the “rollercoaster neck.”
That sneaky flex-extend pattern (usually extending as you hinge, then returning to neutral on the upswing). Watch yourself with your eyes, not your neck. It may feel fine with lighter weight, but heavier bells will make neck and mid-back pain show up fast.
✅ Finish tall—without overextending.
A stacked rib cage over pelvis keeps glutes and core working, decreases pressure on the linea alba and pelvic floor, and keeps your low back calm.
✅ Bell to b***y. Always.
Letting the bell drop too low toward the shins increases shear on the spine. Keeping it high on the inner thigh preserves great recruitment and strength through the entire swing.
Strong swings should feel powerful, smooth, and controlled—not like your body is bracing for impact. What do you think will help you the most?!