The 6 Kettlebell Exercises For Powerlifting (with sample accessory work)

Kettlebell training and exercises are great options for accessory work for a powerlifter. Each exercises below could find it’s place in a powerlifting programme or training regime.

4 min read
Sean Klein
Written by
Sean Klein
Published on
16/05/22
Last updated
12/01/23
In This Resource
  • The 7 Kettlebell Exercises For Powerlifters To Add To Their Accessory Work
  • Sample Powerlifting Accessory Work
  • Common Questions
  • Do Powerlifters Use Kettlebells?
  • Can You Use Kettlebell Exercises For Strength Training?
  • Can Kettlebell Swings Improve Deadlifts?

Powerlfting requires high levels of specificty in order to be successful. This means that the bench press deadlift and squat should make up the bulk of your training plan, making kettlebells of little importance.

That being said they can still be a very usful tool to incorperate into your accessory work for the sake of adaptation and progression. Some of the exercises will have very different goals, some providing general movement capacity like the kettlebell windmill. Others like the single arm kettlebell press would be included in the vertical pressing volume for the week.

The 7 Kettlebell Exercises For Powerlifters To Add To Their Accessory Work

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Core
Trunk
Rotation
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Core
Trunk
Rotation
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Secondary
Upper Body
Vertical Press
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Secondary
Lower Body
Hinge
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Primary
Upper Body
Horizontal Pull
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Core
Trunk
Resisting Rotation
Not Set
Not Set
Not Set

Sample Powerlifting Accessory Work

Complete 3 rounds

1. Double KB Gorilla Row

Complete 10 repetitions

2. Assissted Single Leg KB Straight Leg Deadlift

Complete 12 repetitions

3. Front Rack and Farmers Carry

Move for 20 meters

Common Questions

Do Powerlifters Use Kettlebells?

Yes, in their accessory work once they have done the main part of their session which will revolve around the deadlift, bench press and squat. They can be used to add volume to the fundamental movement patterns like hinge and horizontal press or the can be great for core work and gpp like farmers carries.

Can You Use Kettlebell Exercises For Strength Training?

Yes, but its probably not as effective as using a barbell. Powerlifitng as a sport is done with a barbell, so you can get stronger through kettlebell training but it will not apply as much to your powrlifts than if you did your strength training with a barbell. That being said doing some strength training with a kettlebell during the offseason or away from competiton can be a great way to stay health while taking a break from the main lifts.

Can Kettlebell Swings Improve Deadlifts?

No. The kettlbell swing is a great movement for improving explosivness, but will have little carry over to the deadlift especially if you have a high training age.

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This resource was written by Sean Klein. Sean Richard Klein has thousands of hours of coaching experience and a BSc in Sports Science with Management from Loughborough University. He owns a gym in Bayonne France, CrossFit Essor, which runs group classes and a Personal training studio.

Sean Klein

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