Kettlebell Arnold Press
Build strong, sculpted shoulders with the Kettlebell Arnold Press. This dynamic exercise combines a rotational movement with an overhead press,
Description
An exercise that targets the shoulders, combining a twist motion with a press for an optimal workout.
How to Do Kettlebell Arnold Press
- 1Setup
Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, core braced, holding a kettlebell in each hand. Rack the kettlebells at shoulder height with your palms facing inward towards your body, elbows tucked close to your sides.
- 2Setup
Ensure the kettlebells are stable, resting comfortably on your forearms, and your wrists are neutral, not bent.
- 3
Initiate the press by simultaneously rotating your forearms outwards while pressing the kettlebells overhead. As you press upwards, your palms should rotate to face forward at the top of the movement.
- 4
Fully extend your arms overhead without locking your elbows, ensuring the kettlebells are directly above your shoulders.
- 5
Reverse the motion by slowly lowering the kettlebells, rotating your palms back inwards as you descend. Return to the starting racked position with your palms facing your body.
Tips
- Maintain a neutral spine and engaged core throughout the entire movement to protect your lower back and enhance overall stability.
- Control the eccentric (lowering) phase, taking 2-3 seconds to return the kettlebells to the starting position to maximize muscle engagement and time under tension.
- Focus on a smooth, coordinated rotation of the palms from facing inward to forward during the press, and vice versa on the descent, ensuring fluid movement.
- Keep the kettlebell close to your body in the racked position; the bell should rest on your forearm, not flop forward or away, to maintain control and stability.
Common Mistakes
- ×Using excessive momentum: Avoid swinging the kettlebells or using leg drive; instead, perform the movement with strict control using only shoulder and arm strength.
- ×Flaring elbows too wide at the bottom: Keep your elbows relatively tucked in the starting racked position to protect your shoulders and ensure proper rotational mechanics.
- ×Hyperextending the lower back: Engage your core and glutes to maintain a neutral spine throughout the press, preventing an excessive arch in your lower back.
Variations

Kettlebell Two Arm Military Press
Strengthen your shoulders, triceps, and core with the Kettlebell Two-Arm Military Press. Safely press a single kettlebell overhead from shoulder height.

Kettlebell Seated Two Arm Military Press
Strengthen your shoulders and triceps with the Kettlebell Seated Two Arm Military Press. This compound exercise builds upper body strength and stability.

Kettlebell One Arm Military Press To The Side
Master the Kettlebell One Arm Military Press to the Side for strong, sculpted shoulders.

Kettlebell Alternating Press
Build powerful shoulders and enhance core stability with the Kettlebell Alternating Press.
Related Exercises

Barbell Seated Overhead Press
Build strong, sculpted shoulders with the Barbell Seated Overhead Press. This compound movement targets your deltoids and triceps for upper body strength.

Standing Behind Neck Press
Master the Standing Behind Neck Press with a barbell to build strong, sculpted shoulders and enhance upper body strength effectively.

Kettlebell Lateral Raise
Sculpt strong, broad shoulders with the Kettlebell Lateral Raise. Effectively target your lateral deltoids for improved shoulder width and definition.

Dumbbell Arnold Press
Master the Arnold Press for stronger, well-defined shoulders. This unique dumbbell press combines a pressing motion with a rotational twist, effectively

Assisted Standing Triceps Dip
Build triceps strength with machine assistance that lets you focus on proper dip form at a manageable load.

Dumbbell Complex Push-up Row Clean and Press
The ultimate full-body dumbbell complex combining a push-up, row, clean, and overhead press in one flow.
Track Kettlebell Arnold Press in your workouts
Log sets, reps, and weight. See your progress over time.
Get Ellim — Free