Should the kettlebell touch the floor on every rep?

Yes, for a true deadlift, the weight should come to a complete stop on the floor to eliminate momentum and build strength from a dead stop.

Is the kettlebell deadlift better than the barbell version?

It is not necessarily better, but it is often safer for beginners because the weight is centered directly under the lifter's center of mass, reducing shear force on the spine.

How heavy should my kettlebell be for this exercise?

Start with a weight that allows you to maintain a perfectly flat back for three sets of ten repetitions before progressing to heavier loads.

Kettlebell Deadlift Form Guide | Strength Training

Master the kettlebell deadlift with our step-by-step guide to improve your hinge mechanics, glute strength, and total-body stability.

How to Perform

Place the kettlebell on the floor between your feet with your stance roughly shoulder-width apart.
Hinge at your hips by pushing them backward while maintaining a flat back and a slight bend in your knees.
Reach down to grasp the handle firmly with both hands, ensuring your shoulders are positioned slightly in front of the bell.
Engage your lats and core, then drive through your heels to stand upright by extending your hips and knees simultaneously.
Contract your glutes at the top of the movement without leaning backward or hyperextending your spine.
Reverse the movement by hinging your hips back and lowering the kettlebell under control to the starting position on the floor.

Common Mistakes

Rounding the spine during the initial pull
Squatting the weight rather than hinging at the hips
Allowing the kettlebell to drift too far forward from the shins
Bending the arms to pull the weight instead of using the lower body

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

Hamsticks

Stabilizers

Glutes
Lower Back
Forearms
Core

Related Guides

2 Handed Kettlebell Swing — Strength
3D lunge warmup — Strength
4-count burpees — Strength

Hamsticks · Strength