Kettlebell Overhead Press
Build shoulder strength & stability! The Kettlebell Overhead Press is a full-body workout that torches calories and improves posture.
The Kettlebell Overhead Press is a compound exercise that mainly works the shoulders, with help from the triceps, chest and core. You'll need: kettlebells.
Required Equipment
Kettlebell Overhead Press Muscles Worked
Primary
Front Shoulder (anterior deltoid)
Secondary
Triceps (triceps brachii); Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)
Kettlebell Overhead Press Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Kettlebell Overhead Press
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell in each hand.
Clean the kettlebells to your shoulders by swinging them through your legs and then up onto your shoulders, rotating your wrists so that the weight of the kettlebells is on the back of your wrists. This is your starting position.
Press the kettlebells overhead by extending your arms upward, ensuring you keep your core tight and maintain a straight back to prevent arching.
Exhale as you press the weights up, locking out your elbows at the top, with the kettlebells slightly touching.
Inhale as you slowly lower the kettlebells back to the starting position at your shoulders. Control the motion to avoid any jerking movements.
Repeat the motion for the desired number of repetitions.
Remember to use a weight that allows you to perform the exercise with proper form and technique. Start with lighter weights if you're new to the exercise, and always perform a proper warm-up before engaging in any strength training activities.
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Kettlebell Overhead Press FAQs
What muscles does the Kettlebell Overhead Press work?
The Kettlebell Overhead Press mainly works the shoulders, with help from the triceps, chest and core. The main muscles are the anterior deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Kettlebell Overhead Press?
Kettlebells.
Is the Kettlebell Overhead Press a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Kettlebell Overhead Press go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Kettlebell Overhead Press variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Barbell Standing Military-Press, Barbell Standing Wide Military-Press, Bodyweight Standing Military-Press and Kettlebell Clean & Push-Press.
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