Kettlebell Windmill

A loaded side-bend under an overhead bell. Trains overhead shoulder stability alongside hip hinge and thoracic rotation in one position.

DIFFICULTY
Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Kettlebell
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Obliques · Hamstrings · Deltoids
ALSO WORKS
Rotator Cuff · Quadratus Lumborum · Adductors · Lower back
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Press or clean a bell overhead and turn the feet forty-five degrees away from the loaded arm.
  2. 02Push the loaded-side hip out to the side and keep the overhead arm vertical.
  3. 03Hinge sideways, sliding the free hand down the inside of the front leg, eyes on the bell.
  4. 04Descend until the free hand reaches the shin or floor with the back leg straight.
  5. 05Drive the hip back under you to stand, keeping the bell locked out the whole way.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Push the hip away, then reach down.
  2. 02Overhead arm stays vertical, eyes on the bell.
  3. 03Back leg long, do not bend it to get lower.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Bending forward instead of hinging sideways, which rounds the spine under an overhead load.
  2. 02Letting the overhead arm drift in front, which loads the shoulder off-axis where it is weakest.
  3. 03Chasing depth past your hamstring range, which forces the pelvis to tuck and the back to round.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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