💪 General Exercise Provisions

Alignment Definition

Compared across 2 organizations. General Exercise Provisions category.

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Rule Text by Organization

IKMF International Kettlebell Marathon Federation

Alignment is reached when the lifter is standing up straight with legs, hips, and arm(s) in full extension, squared up with the kettlebell(s) directly over or behind the shoulder. There must be no excessive side lean or rotation.

Source: IKMF Competition Rules, Ranking Tables (2020/2023/2025), IKMF Rules 2015, AKSI Marathon Rules, IKMF Ultimate Girevik Cup Rules

IKO International Kettlebell Organization

Alignment is reached when the lifter is standing up straight (legs, hips and arm(s) in full extension), squared up and the kettlebell(s) is/are directly over or behind the shoulder. There must be no excessive side lean or rotation. Shoulders, hips and knees must face the same direction.

Source: IKO Competition Rules & Ranking Tables (2019 2nd Edition, DHS added 2024)

Comparison Analysis

IKMF and IKO define alignment very similarly — standing straight with full extension, squared with the platform.

What All Organizations Agree On

  • Both require full extension of legs, hips, and arms
  • Both require the athlete to be squared with the platform
  • Definitions are nearly identical in substance

Athlete Impact: No practical difference between IKO and IKMF alignment requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does International Kettlebell Marathon Federation (IKMF) define alignment definition?

Alignment is reached when the lifter is standing up straight with legs, hips, and arm(s) in full extension, squared up with the kettlebell(s) directly over or behind the shoulder. There must be no excessive side lean or rotation.

How does International Kettlebell Organization (IKO) define alignment definition?

Alignment is reached when the lifter is standing up straight (legs, hips and arm(s) in full extension), squared up and the kettlebell(s) is/are directly over or behind the shoulder. There must be no excessive side lean or rotation. Shoulders, hips and knees must face the same direction.

See the interactive comparison on KETTLEBELL MONSTER™ for filterable views and more detail.

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