The One Kettlebell Exercise You Should Never Skip

The ability to bend over and pick something up off the ground is one of the most fundamental human movement patterns. Known as the hip hinge, this movement has been essential to human survival since the beginning of our species.

While many strength coaches prioritize deadlifts to develop the hip hinge, Mark has never been particularly attached to the movement. One reason is accessibility. Deadlifts require an Olympic barbell, plates, and often a gym membership—equipment that isn't practical for everyone. More importantly, deadlifts are also one of the most commonly injured lifts in the gym, especially when people push heavy loads without the movement quality to support them.

Instead, Mark prefers the kettlebell swing.

The kettlebell swing trains the same foundational hip hinge pattern while being more forgiving, more accessible, and easier to perform at higher volumes. In addition to developing strength and power, swings allow you to build endurance in the hinge pattern—something that's incredibly valuable for both athletic performance and everyday life.

In this week's video, Mark breaks down several kettlebell swing variations that can help you continue progressing the movement year after year. Whether you're new to swings or have been training them for decades, these progressions can help you build a stronger, more resilient posterior chain without the need for a full barbell setup.

Watch the full video and discover why the kettlebell swing remains one of the most effective exercises for long-term strength and durability.