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§ L · Exercises · AbsUpdated 6/2026

Kettlebell Side Swing

The kettlebell side swing develops your abdominal muscles' ability to resist rotation while generating power in the lateral direction.

Muscle group
Abs
Equipment
Kettlebell
Exercise type
Compound
Technique
Advanced technique

Muscles worked

§ 01 · Muscles
Primary muscle
Abs

How to perform

§ 02 · Steps
  1. 01

    Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart with the kettlebell in front of your feet, hinge slightly at the hips, and brace your core.

  2. 02

    Grip the kettlebell with one hand and swing it back between your legs, keeping your wrist neutral.

  3. 03

    Drive your hips forward explosively and guide the kettlebell to the side of your body to about chest height. Let your arm act like a rope without actively lifting your shoulder.

  4. 04

    Lower the kettlebell under control and return it between your legs. On the next repetition, let it travel to the opposite side and keep your torso as still as possible.

  5. 05

    Repeat with a steady rhythm and finish the set by lowering the kettlebell to the floor under control.

How to get started at the gym

§ 03 · SisuLift

Kettlebell Side Swing is ready to go in the SisuLift exercise library. The app builds you a program, suggests starting weights and shows this same animation during your workout at the gym.

  • ·A ready training program based on your goal
  • ·Starting weight suggestions and automatic progression
  • ·Set logging and rest timer at the gym
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
SisuLift app workout view

Tips

§ 04 · Tips

Keep your core tight and let your hips generate the power. Do not rotate your shoulders with the movement. Choose a kettlebell that allows you to maintain a controlled range of motion and a neutral spine throughout the exercise.

The kettlebell side swing develops your abdominal muscles' ability to resist rotation while generating power in the lateral direction.

More exercises: Abs

§ 05 · Same muscles

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