Shoulder exercises

Kettlebell Overhead Press

Also known as: Développé épaule avec kettlebell · Πιέσεις ώμων με κέτλμπελ · KB press · single-arm kettlebell press

Primary
Shoulders
Equipment
Kettlebell
Type
Compound
Suggested rest
1.5 min
 
One side at a time

How to do the Kettlebell Overhead Press

  1. Bring the kettlebell to the rack position, resting on the outside of your forearm with a straight wrist.

  2. Brace your abs and glutes.

  3. Press the kettlebell overhead until your arm is straight.

  4. Lower it under control to the rack and switch arms after the set.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–48–121.5 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 4 kg (10 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Shoulders

Secondary

Triceps, Abs

Three heads, three jobs: the front delts press, the side delts raise your arms out and give width, the rear delts pull back. Train all three.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Kettlebell Overhead Press doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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Kettlebell shoulder exercises