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Exercise guide

Alternating Kettlebell Press

How to do the Alternating Kettlebell Press with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

CompoundKettlebellsIntermediatePush
Primary muscles

Shoulders

Secondary

Triceps

Equipment

Kettlebells

Step by step

How to do the Alternating Kettlebell Press

  1. 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. 2

    Press one directly overhead by extending through the elbow, turning it so the palm faces forward while holding the other kettlebell stationary .

  3. 3

    Lower the pressed kettlebell to the starting position and immediately press with your other arm.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Alternating Kettlebell Press set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your shoulders volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Related

More shoulders exercises

FAQ

Alternating Kettlebell Press: common questions

What muscles does the Alternating Kettlebell Press work?

The Alternating Kettlebell Press primarily works the Shoulders. It also recruits the Triceps as supporting muscles.

Is the Alternating Kettlebell Press suitable for beginners?

The Alternating Kettlebell Press is an intermediate-level exercise. It's best once you've built a base of general strength and movement control, beginners can work up to it.

What equipment do I need for the Alternating Kettlebell Press?

To do the Alternating Kettlebell Press you'll need one or more kettlebells.

Is the Alternating Kettlebell Press a compound or isolation exercise?

The Alternating Kettlebell Press is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.

How do I do the Alternating Kettlebell Press with correct form?

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. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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