How To Do & Muscles Worked

kettlebell shoulder press

Any standing press exercises are great for strengthening the shoulders. It’s especially functional for whenever you need to reach for and hold anything overhead, like getting things out of a high cabinet or high shelf. This variation with kettlebells is even more challenging for your shoulder stabilizers as your tendons and ligaments must keep the kettlebells steady.

DIFFICULTY
Easy
Moderate
Challenging

Which Muscles Are Worked?

Diagram of primary and secondary muscles worked from Kettlebell shoulder press

Primary Muscles

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Abs Triceps

Exercise Type

How to do kettlebell shoulder press Properly

Step by Step Guide

Begin standing with the feet hip distance apart and hold a kettlebell in each hand at the shoulders with a neutral grip (palms facing inward). The kettlebell will rest on the outer wrist.

Press one arm directly overhead as you straighten that elbow. Keep the abs engaged to maintain a neutral spine.

As you lower that arm down, press the other arm straight overhead.

Continue alternating the shoulder press here.

Repeat for the desired repetitions.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is losing abdominal control which is exhibited by the lower back extended (arching). This is a way of compensating. To avoid this, engage the abs by pulling the belly button to your spine. This will maintain a neutral spine position so the focus can be on strengthening just the shoulders and arms.