Exercise library · Shoulders

How to Do Alternating Kettlebell Press

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the alternating kettlebell press.

How to do it

1. Clean two kettlebells to your shoulders. Clean the kettlebells to your shoulders by extending through the legs and hips as you pull the kettlebells towards your shoulders. Rotate your wrists as you do so.
2. Press one directly overhead by extending through the elbow, turning it so the palm faces forward while holding the other kettlebell stationary .
3. Lower the pressed kettlebell to the starting position and immediately press with your other arm.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

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Gear for this exercise

KettlebellSwings, goblet squats and carries: a full-body workout with one tool.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.