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One-Arm Kettlebell Push Press

A intermediate strength exercise for the shoulders, done with a kettlebell.

One-Arm Kettlebell Push Press: starting positionOne-Arm Kettlebell Push Press: finishing position
Main muscles
Shoulders
Also works
Calves, Quads and Triceps
Equipment
Kettlebell
Level
Intermediate
Type
Compound
Movement
Push

How to do the One-Arm Kettlebell Push Press

  1. Hold a kettlebell by the handle. Clean the kettlebell to your shoulder by extending through the legs and hips as you pull the kettlebell towards your shoulder. Rotate your wrist as you do so, so that the palm faces forward. This will be your starting position.
  2. Dip your body by bending the knees, keeping your torso upright.
  3. Immediately reverse direction, driving through the heels, in essence jumping to create momentum. As you do so, press the kettlebell overhead to lockout by extending the arms, using your body's momentum to move the weight. Lower the weight to perform the next repetition.

Sets and reps

Strength3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes
Muscle3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes
Endurance or fat loss2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the One-Arm Kettlebell Push Press

Questions

What muscles does the One-Arm Kettlebell Push Press work?

Mainly the shoulders, with the calves, quads and triceps helping.

Is the One-Arm Kettlebell Push Press good for beginners?

It's rated intermediate. Beginners can build up to it with a simpler variation first.

What can I do instead of the One-Arm Kettlebell Push Press?

Good alternatives that train the shoulders: Alternating Kettlebell Press, Double Kettlebell Jerk, Double Kettlebell Push Press or Kettlebell Arnold Press.

How many sets and reps of the One-Arm Kettlebell Push Press should I do?

Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).