Double Kettlebell Outside Half Snatch

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Target Muscle: Glutes

Equipment: Kettlebell

Instructions for proper form

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell in each hand. 2. Hinge at the hips, keeping your back straight, and lower the kettlebells to around knee height. 3. Engage your core and drive through your heels to explode upward, straightening your hips and knees. 4. As you rise, pull the kettlebells up close to your body, then punch them overhead into a locked out position while keeping your wrists straight. 5. Ensure that your shoulder blades are down and back during the movement. 6. Lower the kettlebells back down in a controlled manner and repeat.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Rounding the back or slouching during the hip hinge. 2. Using too much arm strength instead of driving with your hips. 3. Not locking out the arms overhead. 4. Letting the kettlebells stray away from the body during the pull. 5. Not engaging the core, which can lead to poor form and potential injury.

Benefits

Specific benefits of the exercise

1. Strengthens the gluteal muscles effectively. 2. Enhances explosive power and athletic performance. 3. Engages the core for stability. 4. Improves coordination and timing.

Expected results and timeframe

With consistent practice, you can expect to see increased glute strength and improved power in movements within 4-6 weeks. Overall improvements in full-body strength and endurance may take 8-12 weeks depending on training frequency..

Who this exercise is best for

This exercise is best for intermediate to advanced lifters looking to increase their glute strength and overall power. It is also beneficial for athletes needing explosive movements in their sports.

Scientific studies supporting its effectiveness

Studies have shown that kettlebell training can enhance power output, strength, and overall athletic performance by engaging multiple muscle groups in a compound manner, supporting functional movement patterns.

Variations

Beginner modifications

1. Start with a single kettlebell instead of double. 2. Perform the exercise with lighter weights to master the form. 3. Practice the movement with a pause at the top to focus on control.

Advanced progressions

1. Increase the kettlebell weight as strength progresses. 2. Incorporate a jump at the top of the snatch for an explosive progression. 3. Perform the snatch with a single-leg balance to enhance stability work.

Integrations

Complementary exercises

1. Squats (bodyweight or loaded) to strengthen the lower body. 2. Deadlifts to enhance hip strength. 3. Core exercises like planks to support stabilizing muscles.

Super set recommendations

Super set with Romanian deadlifts or barbell hip thrusts to further target the glutes and improve strength endurance through compound movements.

Sample workout routines

Sample routine: 1. Warm-up: Dynamic stretches and light cardio for 5-10 minutes. 2. Double Kettlebell Outside Half Snatch: 3 sets of 8-10 reps. 3. Romanian Deadlift: 3 sets of 10 reps. 4. Kettlebell Swing: 3 sets of 12-15 reps. 5. Cool down: Static stretches focusing on glutes and hamstrings.

Exercise combinations

Combine with kettlebell goblet squats and single-leg deadlifts for a comprehensive glute workout focusing on stability, strength, and explosiveness.

Best time to do this exercise in your workout

This exercise is best performed after your warm-up but before isolation movements, ideally as part of a strength-focused workout. It can also fit well into a power training segment.