Bent Press
How to do the Bent Press with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.
Abs
Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back, Quads, Shoulders, Triceps
Kettlebells
How to do the Bent Press
- 1
Clean a kettlebell to your shoulder. Clean the kettlebell to your shoulders by extending through the legs and hips as you raise the kettlebell towards your shoulder. The wrist should rotate as you do so. This will be your starting position.
- 2
Begin my leaning to the side opposite the kettlebell, continuing until you are able to touch the ground with your free hand, keeping your eyes on the kettlebell. As you do so, press the weight vertically be extending through the elbow, keeping your arm perpendicular to the ground.
- 3
Return to an upright position, with the kettlebell above your head. Return the kettlebell to the shoulder and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Log it, see it on your body.
Every Bent Press set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your abs volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.
More abs exercises
Bent Press: common questions
What muscles does the Bent Press work?
The Bent Press primarily works the Abs. It also recruits the Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back, Quads, Shoulders and Triceps as supporting muscles.
Is the Bent Press suitable for beginners?
The Bent Press is an expert-level exercise. It demands well-developed strength, mobility and technique, so it suits experienced lifters more than beginners.
What equipment do I need for the Bent Press?
To do the Bent Press you'll need one or more kettlebells.
Is the Bent Press a compound or isolation exercise?
The Bent 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 Bent Press with correct form?
Clean a kettlebell to your shoulder. Clean the kettlebell to your shoulders by extending through the legs and hips as you raise the kettlebell towards your shoulder. The wrist should rotate as you do so. This will be your starting position. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.
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