Optimizing Back Health With the Kettlebell Swing

We all know the kettlebell swing has many benefits. Would you put “back health” at the top of the list? I would. What exactly is back health? Back health means having a strong, powerful back that’s free from injury. Being free from injury is one of the biggest benefits I’ve personally experienced with the kettlebell swing through the years.

You already know that the swing is a high-power, full-body explosive movement that doesn’t stress the back, when it’s executed properly. But I would also say it’s one of the most effective exercises for total back health we have available to us.

As a real-world example, world powerlifting champion, Brad Gillingham has directly attributed the kettlebell swing as a key factor in his return to competition after several failed rehabilitation attempts.

Brad Gillingham Deadlift
Brad Gillingham uses kettlebells to keep his back healthy

My Personal Experience With Devastating Back Pain

I should also give you some background and perspective on my own experiences related to back health. Many years ago, I experienced a severe disc herniation in the lumbar spine at level L4-L5, which is a common site for herniation.

The experience was one of the most painful and devastating things I’ve ever been through. The rapidly progressive radiating pain in my left leg was so severe, there was no position I could find that would alleviate it. That meant I couldn’t sleep, let alone perform any normal functional activity. It wasn’t long after my injury that I had a surgical discectomy to alleviate the pain. The road back from surgery was a long one, but a successful one, which is another story in itself.

How bad was the pain prior to surgery? The disc herniation was so severe I had what’s termed sciatic scoliosis, which is a lateral curvature of the spine as a result of the sciatic pain (the disc herniation). In other words, I literally couldn’t straighten my spine because it made the excruciating and constant pain even worse. Imagine that. It was a bad situation that escalated quickly until my surgery.

As with most adversity, great things usually come out of it. My experience ultimately led to me becoming a physical therapist, working with many back pain patients through the years, and helping a lot of people. To this day, this is why I have the utmost respect for optimizing spinal position with training. This something I take seriously for myself and for those I work with.

The point of all this? I understand back pain much more than I would have ever wanted. The experiences provided a total appreciation and unique perspective on the importance of optimizing back health.

The Landmark McGill Study on the Swing

First, we need to remember that no single study answers all the questions and it cannot be used to make broad conclusions. We must view each study as a piece of the puzzle in the entire body of evidence in a particular area. With this understanding, there were some key findings in the landmark study by Dr. Stuart McGill that looked at the biomechanics and muscle activation of the one-handed kettlebell swing.

A key question the study looked to answer was if the kettlebell swing had a unique loading benefit that may be perceived as therapeutic for some (ex. Gillingham, myself, others), yet could potentially cause discomfort in other people? Let’s be clear, technique has a lot to do with how a person would expect to feel during and after performing the kettlebell swing, I think we all agree on that.

Pavel McGill Research Study
Pavel at Prof. McGill’s lab at the University of Waterloo, Canada

It should be noted that subjects in the McGill study did not have any current or previous low back issues. The study also included a single case study of the kettlebell swing performed by none other than Pavel Tsatsouline. As with most kettlebell studies to date, the kettlebell size used was a 16 kg kettlebell for the swings, with the exception of Pavel who used a 32 kg kettlebell (more on this in a minute).

The swing technique was the standard hardstyle technique, but did include “kime” at the top of the swing. Kime is a brief muscular pulse at the top in an attempt to elicit a rapid muscle contraction-relaxation.

Muscle Activity in the Swing

If you’ve performed a swing, you know that many muscles are activated. In the study, EMG (electomyography) was conducted to analyze the muscle firing of the following:

  • Rectus Abdominis
  • External Obliques
  • Internal Obliques
  • Latissimus Dorsi
  • Erector Spinae
  • Gluteus Medius
  • Gluteus Maximus
  • Rectus Femoris
  • Biceps Femoris

While all of these muscles are important, the hip extensors — specifically the gluteals  —are of great importance during the swing. The term “gluteal amnesia” is commonly used in the fitness community to describe the lack of firing in the glutes for many key exercises. Glute activation is one of the most powerful phenomenons of a properly executed kettlebell swing and many other athletic, power exercises.

Glute activation is so important that even the great Tiger Woods made a recent comment after a poor showing in a golf tournament about his glutes. He stated, “It’s just my glutes are shutting off. Then they don’t activate and then, hence, it goes into my lower back. So, I tried to activate my glutes as best I could, in between, but it just they never stayed activated.” These were actual comments following his withdrawal from the tournament. Just a thought, but maybe Tiger would benefit from a kettlebell swing.

Back to the McGill study. The study demonstrated significant results in regards to glute activation with the most impressive numbers produced by Pavel’s one-hand swing. Pavel generated such powerful muscle activity, his contralateral (opposite side) gluteal muscles fired at 100% MVC (maximal voluntary contraction). Without question, the one-hand swing is a proven solution to activate the glutes.

Swing Forces: Compressive vs. Shear

The study also revealed an interesting ratio of compressive force to shear force. Let me explain. If we have two spine vertebrae, think of the compressive force being the downward pressure of the top vertebrae on the vertebrae below it. This downward pressure is the compressive force. If we have the same two vertebrae, visualize the one on top being forced forward relative to the one on the bottom. This is the shear force. Understanding how these two forces impact the spine are significant considerations for the kettlebell swing, according to the data by Dr. McGill.

Optimizing Back HealthThe findings of the study demonstrated that the forward acceleration of the kettlebell in the swing phase produce increased posterior shear forces in relation to compressive forces. You may expect this due to the mechanics of projecting the kettlebell horizontally. If you compare this to a deadlift, for example, you’d expect more compressive force due to the downward pressure of the load and maintaining a vertical path of the bar.

Swings require stability, yet they also promote stability. If there is true instability of one or more vertebral segments, then according to the McGill data, it would make sense that those exposed to posterior shear loads could potentially have intolerance with kettlebell swing. An important point to remember here is that these types of cases are quite uncommon, but they do exist.

The study concludes that the majority of people should greatly benefit from the effectiveness of the kettlebell swing to strengthen the posterior chain, but there may be isolated cases who may experience shear load intolerance and may not be ideal candidates.

Optimizing Back Health With Kettlebell SwingThe Role of the Swing in Optimizing Back Health

Fat loss, explosive strength, a high level of conditioning, posterior chain development, and forging athleticism are all proven benefits of the kettlebell swing. One of the major benefits we don’t always consider is optimizing back heath. When it comes to back health, the swing can be considered a foundational exercise for the majority of people because of the unique features discussed here.

The swing greatly contributes to high levels of muscular activation in the posterior chain, as well as abdominals. The hip hinging mechanics, neutral spine, and powerful strength and conditioning benefits make it one of the most innovative movements we have to optimize and restore back health. As a rehabilitation professional and a former back patient, I would conclude that the properly performed kettlebell swing is essential for a high performing and pain free back for most people.

References:
1. McGill et al, Kettlebell Swing, Snatch, and Bottoms Up Carry: Back and Hip Muscle Activation, Motion, and Low Back Loads. JSCR Volume 26, Number 1, January 2012, pp. 16-27

To learn more about the proper way to do a kettlebell swing, attend a Kettlebell User Course and/or Find an Instructor.

Further Reading: My Journey to the Kettlebell by Dr. Stuart McGill

Scott Iardella
Scott Iardella, MPT, CSCS, SFG II, SFL, CISSN, USAW, CACWC.
Scott is a strength coach, movement teacher, and former physical thera-pist who earned his Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the Univer-sity of Maryland School of Medicine. With over thirty years of unique ex-periences, he currently coaches kettlebell and Weightlifting techniques to small groups in South Florida. He is an SFG II kettlebell instructor and SFL barbell instructor, among many other notable credentials. He’s the host of The Rdella Training Podcast, a weekly fitness and performance podcast on iTunes. The podcast and his other work can be found at Rdella Training. Finally, Scott is the author of the new book—“The Edge of Strength”—now available on Amazon.
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32 thoughts on “Optimizing Back Health With the Kettlebell Swing

  • I have found that ‘popping the pelvis’ at the top of the swing actually aggregates my sciatica. This is hugely disappointing after investing so much time & effort into my RKC certified trainer & regime. In hindsight, the top of the swing actually compresses the spine and I can feel the numbness in my left leg for days after a kettlebell workout. It the opposite (decompression of the spine) that I am after and I am finding it difficult to achieve any relief given the nature of the swing

    I am confident that I am not swinging wrong given the expertise and supervision of my trainer but am at a loss as to why my sciatica has been alleviated in any such way. Any feedback on this sticking point would be much appreciated

    Thanks

    • I had sciatica and then an MRI revealed I had stage II spondylolisthesis, L5. I had the spinal fusion surgery and no more sciatica. Point is, sciatica can be a symptom of a greater problem. If you can get a lateral X-ray of your lower back, do so. Then id there’s a problem, you’ll likely be referred for an MRI.

    • your swing is wrong, you whole arms should be straight from your shoulders to your wrists, you have a bend at your elbows. cheers.

  • I may be wrong but it seems to me that shear and compression force are a lot like muscular strength and muscular endurance…. In order to have a significant level of one you must possess the other. I suspect that there would be some compressive force to deal with in a swing and some shear force in a Deadlift. In the absence of injury or abnormality I think most people would benefit from improving their performance under both type of force! IMHO!! Nice job Scott!

  • I agree with Leon. I don’t see any arguments as to why the swing is beneficial for the back. I love (to hate) the swing, so I’m not against it by any means, and I believe it IS beneficial. I just don’t see why from this article.

  • Scott,

    Interesting you referenced Tiger in the article and I couldn’t agree more. I am a PGA Golf professional and am somewhat familiar with kettlebells. I have used them off and on for a few years. I have read all of Pavel’s book and am going to get serious on S&S next month. I did have some t-spine mobility issues due to overuse from years of golf. Do you recommend spending more time owning the 2-handed swing before I progress to the one-handed? Will I still receive the back benefits?

    Thanks!

    • Jason,

      My preference is to ‘own’ the 2H swing before the 1H swing, yes. Definitely get a qualified coaching session to ensure form is correct, if you can. It will be invaluable for you. And, get the T-spine looked at to see where things are. You will benefit from both variations of the swing.

  • Hey Scott,

    Thanks for the article. However, I seem to miss the point why swings are beneficial for rehab. You write that some people albeit few can’t tolerate the occurring shear forces but most can. But are the shear forces in anyway beneficial? Because the only other thing you mention is glute activation. Could you please elaborate on this?

    • Leon,
      The last statement in the article briefly summarize the benefits: “The hip hinging mechanics, neutral spine, and powerful strength and conditioning benefits make it one of the most innovative movements we have to optimize and restore back health.” In short, the strength-endurance and biomechanics of the exercise make it extremely effective to strengthen and stabilize the spine – this is why it’s beneficial. I attribute the exercise to being a major contributor to my back health today. Additionally, I was supporting my own experiences to what the McGill study found. The swing is uniquely effective for the spine – I may need to write an entire new article on the effectiveness and specifics of the benefits of the KBS to further understand. This just scratches the surface really…

      • Hey Scott,

        Thanks for taking the time answer my question. I must admit I still feel like I miss the point. Correct me if I am wrong but you explain that the shear forces occurring during the swing can be bad for some people. Most people tolerate them, but there is no positive effect due to shear forces. Correct?

        In your answer you name neutral spin, hip hinging, and powerful strength. With the exception of conditioning this is jusy as true for the deadlift and pretty much any hip hinge exercise whereas you have no shear forces since the weight is always close to the body. Plus those exercises are not ballistic and thus easier to control.
        So given these points I am wondering what are unique benefits of swings in regards to back health? Is there an advantage due to the brief loading?

        • Leon,

          I am going to write a follow up article on this to further explain (most likely post on Rdella Training very soon). To me there are several unique benefits and one of the major benefits is the “strength endurance” component, which is VERY unique to the swing. Don’t get me wrong, there are other excellent exercises for “back health” as well, but the swing is exceptional (except for those that may have shear force intolerance – that was the major point I was making there, that only a very small # of people would truly have any issue with the swing). So, look for full clarification on this in a future article and thx for your questions!

          • Might it be that those with shear force intolerance do not generate adequate abdominal pressure, which would serve as a stabilizing force for the spine?

  • Just last week I read Dr McGill’s book. But the book and your article still leave me wondering – how does one know if they are “shear intolerant”?

    Thanks for your great podcast 🙂

    • Mike,

      Great question. If someone was performing a “near” perfect KB swing technique, and was experiencing “pain” or discomfort during the exercise, that would potentially be a way to assess a problem related to the increased shear force, as reported from the data. Does that make sense? The simple answer is if there is pain and technique is optimal – that would reveal a potential intolerance.

      Thanks for the comment on the podcast…

    • Hey Steve,
      Great question. Many full articles today can be found online, but this one appears to be only available to subscribers of the publication (JSCR). I love the research and use the abstract only as a starting point – the abstract alone never tells the full story, as you know. I may be able to get you the full article, if you’d like to email me. It’s worth read and there’s a lot more to the article than what I mentioned here.

      Scott

  • Scott,
    Great article and perspective on an area of health that most folks tend to neglect when all is going well.

    Wondering what your, or other clinicians, experience has been with KB’s and the aging athlete with lumbar degeneration (osteoarthritis, disc narrowing, protrusions, etc.)

    Thanks

    • Rob,
      Really hard to say, it really “depends” on so many other things.
      It always comes back to assessment and then appropriate baseline movement and progressions, but in general, there is almost always a role for the KB in some way, just depends on the individual.
      Scott

  • These posterior shear forces can be used to benefit those with anteriorly positioned vertebrae such as in a spondylolisthesis. Although not for everyone, the swing does have huge benefits once a solid hip hinge is established.

    • Mike,
      Actually, in the case of true spondylolisthesis, this is the individual who would potentially experience intolerance with the KBS due to the increased posterior shear force, so not sure they would benefit until a certain level of stability is attained. I believe this is exactly the type of patient Dr. McGill was referring to, the minority who may not tolerate the swing very well.

  • I recently began the rehabilitation of a doctor who had 2 herniated discs from the result of poor exercise selection and horrible corrective abilities from 3 other trainers. After undergoing a major operation and 2 subsequent epidurals, she attempted electris stimulation, traction, massage, etc., to no avail. After suffering from every symptom previously described in this article. About 80 days into our current program, I can safely say she is presently 90% recovered. I attribute this chiefly to a graduated 2 and 1 arm Swing program focusing on optimum form and breathing. The medical community should be completely on board with this.

  • Awesome article! Most clients view the ballistic movement of a kettle bell swing and assume that it has to be dangerous but really it’s quite the opposite; weak, “sleepy” glutes are the true danger.

  • The swing is the everyman and every woman movement because that is who benefits. Just had a student with a bulging disc tell me he measured himself and had regained 1″ of height. Swinging a 16kg for a month. The swing is great for backs and everything else.

  • Scott,
    Great article, certainly helps to hear this coming from someone that has experienced back problems firsthand.

    Wondering what has been your experience with KB’s in the aging athlete with lumbar spine degeneration (arthritis, disc narrowing, disc bulges/disease, etc)? Anecdotally, they seemed to have helped my situation.
    Thanks

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