How to Do Kettlebell Figure 8
Start and end of one clean rep of Kettlebell Figure 8.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Core |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Hamstrings, Shoulders |
| Equipment | Kettlebell |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Kettlebell Figure 8
- Place one kettlebell between your legs and take a wider than shoulder width stance. Bend over by pushing your butt out and keeping your back flat.
- Pick up a kettlebell and pass it to your other hand between your legs. The receiving hand should reach from behind the legs. Go back and forth for several repetitions.
Muscles worked
- Core (primary): braces the trunk and resists twisting to protect the spine.
- Hamstrings (secondary): bends the knee and extends the hip through hinges and pulls.
- Shoulders (secondary): raises and rotates the arms and drives everything overhead.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
Form tips
- Brace as if about to take a light punch and breathe shallowly — don't hold your breath for the whole set.
- Let the bell stay close to your body and grip only as hard as you need to keep the wrist neutral.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Breathe out on the effort and in on the return, keeping one steady rhythm across the set.
Common mistakes
- Cranking with the hip flexors or neck instead of moving from the trunk.
- Gripping the bell in a death-grip, which burns out the forearms long before the target muscle.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Kettlebell Figure 8 work?
Kettlebell Figure 8 mainly works the core, with the hamstrings, shoulders helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Kettlebell Figure 8?
Kettlebell Figure 8 needs a kettlebell.
How many sets and reps should I do for Kettlebell Figure 8?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
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