Kettlebell Swing: How to Properly Perfrom This Great Exercise

If there something that drives me nuts on the fitness floor it is when I see people perform Kettlebell Swings and allow the bell to travel over their head.  This makes the swing less effective for the following reasons:

First Place Competition Kettlebells[1]

1. When you hold a Kettlebell your hands are usually touching.  As the bell goes above shoulder level it can cause impingement in the shoulder joint.  The higher the bell travels, the more potential damage can happen to the shoulder because the hands are close together.
2. When the bell travels above the head (and you don't let go of it) there is less power generated.  If you want to achieve maximum power by going overhead you would have to let go of it and see how far backwards you can throw it.  This can be done if you are outside, however doing this in a gym isn't a good idea (Unless you want a lawsuit or to get beat up by an angry fitness enthusiast you nearly hit)!
3. When people let the bell travel above the head they usually have to squat (bend at the knees and hips) versus hinging at the hips.  The Kettlebell Swing done RKC style is a great exercise for the butt and hamstrings that are muscles many gym goers miss in their training.

Below is a video of Meredith demonstrating how to properly perform a RKC style Kettlebell Swing.  If you want to learn additional tips and cues of this exercise click on this link.

References:
1.  Image retrieved from:   http://www.kettlebellsusa.com/kettlebells_usa_paradigm_pro_steel_competition_kettlebells_best_kettlebells.html