Dancers: Use this cue for a safe deadlift or kettlebell swing

When it comes to hinge movements like deadlift variations and kettlebell swings, you want to think about pushing your butt back (into hip flexion) and not simply reaching for the floor. With a proper hinge your hamstrings will tell you what your full range of motion is.

But if you’re just bending over, you’ll be borrowing range of motion from your lower back. Particularly if you’re mobile (like many dancers), this can be a recipe for trouble.

Hinging is safe! But you gotta know what you’re trying to work in order to load them well. I’ve found a lot of success getting people to hinge well by simply giving the cue “push your butt to the back of the room.”