Kettlebell Clean and Press
Master the Kettlebell Clean and Press, a dynamic full-body exercise combining a powerful hip hinge pull with an overhead push for strength and power.
- Movement
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Per set
- 1 min
- Rest
- 2 min
Free · iPhone only · Available on the App Store
Variations of Kettlebell Clean and Press
Description
A full-body compound exercise that involves lifting a kettlebell from the floor to overhead in two movements.
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How to do Kettlebell Clean and Press
- 01Setup
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, kettlebell positioned centrally between your feet. Hinge at your hips with a slight bend in your knees, maintaining a neutral spine, and grasp the kettlebell handle with one hand.
- 02Setup
Your shoulders should be directly over the kettlebell, and your free arm can extend out to the side for balance. Engage your core and pull your shoulder blade down and back.
- 03
Initiate the clean by powerfully extending your hips and knees, pulling the kettlebell upward as if starting a swing. As it reaches chest height, 'punch through' the handle, rotating your wrist and elbow to catch the kettlebell in the rack position, resting on your forearm and bicep with your elbow tucked close to your body.
- 04
From the rack position, take a deep breath, brace your core, and press the kettlebell directly overhead until your arm is fully extended and your bicep is by your ear. Keep your wrist straight and avoid shrugging your shoulder.
- 05
Controlled, reverse the motion by lowering the kettlebell back to the rack position, then guide it back down into the swing path between your legs, preparing for the next repetition.
Tips
- Utilize a powerful hip drive during the clean phase; the kettlebell should feel 'weightless' briefly as you transition it to the rack position, minimizing arm effort.
- Maintain a tight core throughout the entire movement, especially during the overhead press, to protect your spine and transfer force efficiently.
- Keep your elbow close to your body during the clean to ensure a smooth transition into the rack position and prevent the kettlebell from flopping onto your forearm.
- Breathe in during the lowering phase and as you prepare for the clean, then exhale powerfully as you drive the kettlebell overhead during the press.
Common mistakes
- Rounding your back during the initial clean pull can strain your lower spine; maintain a flat back by hinging deeply at the hips and keeping your chest up.
- Allowing the kettlebell to crash onto your forearm during the clean indicates a lack of proper 'punch through'; practice a smoother rotation and catch with lighter weight.
- Pressing with a hyperextended lower back or flared ribs reduces stability and puts stress on the spine; keep your core braced and ribs pulled down during the overhead press.
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Get Ellim — FreeQuestions
Is Kettlebell Clean and Press good for beginners?
Kettlebell Clean and Press is rated advanced. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.
What equipment do I need for Kettlebell Clean and Press?
You need Kettlebell to perform Kettlebell Clean and Press. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.
What are the best tips for Kettlebell Clean and Press?
Utilize a powerful hip drive during the clean phase; the kettlebell should feel 'weightless' briefly as you transition it to the rack position, minimizing arm effort. Maintain a tight core throughout the entire movement, especially during the overhead press, to protect your spine and transfer force efficiently. Keep your elbow close to your body during the clean to ensure a smooth transition into the rack position and prevent the kettlebell from flopping onto your forearm. Breathe in during the lowering phase and as you prepare for the clean, then exhale powerfully as you drive the kettlebell overhead during the press.
What are common mistakes when doing Kettlebell Clean and Press?
Rounding your back during the initial clean pull can strain your lower spine; maintain a flat back by hinging deeply at the hips and keeping your chest up. Allowing the kettlebell to crash onto your forearm during the clean indicates a lack of proper 'punch through'; practice a smoother rotation and catch with lighter weight. Pressing with a hyperextended lower back or flared ribs reduces stability and puts stress on the spine; keep your core braced and ribs pulled down during the overhead press.
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Free · iPhone only · Available on the App Store