Elbow Lockout / Fixation

Compared across 3 organizations. General Exercise Provisions category.

Rule Text by Organization

IKSFA International Kettlebell Sport & Fitness Academy

Elbow fixation (no movement) is required once the athlete reaches the overhead position. The elbow must be fully extended (locked out). Knees must also be fully extended. Any visible movement or instability at the elbow in the overhead position results in a no-count.

IUKL International Union of Kettlebell Lifting

At lockout, the hands (arms), trunk, and legs must all be straightened. The legs and kettlebell should be in line and parallel to the plane of the body. The athlete must be standing with full extension of knees, hips, and arms, with the kettlebell(s) directly overhead.

GSU Girevoy Sport Union

At lockout (overhead fixation position), the arms, trunk, and legs must all be straightened. The legs and kettlebell should be in line and parallel to the plane of the body. The athlete must be standing with full extension of knees, hips, and arms, with the kettlebell(s) directly overhead. Proper lockout means the elbow is fully locked and the kettlebell rests on the forearm in the overhead position.

Comparison Analysis

Lockout requirements for the overhead position are consistent in principle but vary in detail between organizations.

Joint specificity

IKSFA defines specific joint requirements (elbow, knee, hip). IUKL/GSU focus on "legs straightened" and "arms extended." All require full extension.

What All Organizations Agree On

  • All organizations require full arm extension at overhead
  • All require legs and hips to be straight at lockout

Athlete Impact: Focus on achieving clear full extension in the overhead position with every rep. The principle is the same across all organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does International Kettlebell Sport & Fitness Academy (IKSFA) define elbow lockout / fixation?

Elbow fixation (no movement) is required once the athlete reaches the overhead position. The elbow must be fully extended (locked out). Knees must also be fully extended. Any visible movement or instability at the elbow in the overhead position results in a no-count.

How does International Union of Kettlebell Lifting (IUKL) define elbow lockout / fixation?

At lockout, the hands (arms), trunk, and legs must all be straightened. The legs and kettlebell should be in line and parallel to the plane of the body. The athlete must be standing with full extension of knees, hips, and arms, with the kettlebell(s) directly overhead.

How does Girevoy Sport Union (GSU) define elbow lockout / fixation?

At lockout (overhead fixation position), the arms, trunk, and legs must all be straightened. The legs and kettlebell should be in line and parallel to the plane of the body. The athlete must be standing with full extension of knees, hips, and arms, with the kettlebell(s) directly overhead. Proper lockout means the elbow is fully locked and the kettlebell rests on the forearm in the overhead position.

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

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