All Exercises

Kettlebell Seated One Arm Military Press

Strengthen your shoulders and upper body with the Kettlebell Seated One Arm Military Press.

Intermediate
Compound
Push
1 min per set1 min rest

Description

A seated arm press exercise using a kettlebell to work on the shoulder and upper body strength.

How to Do Kettlebell Seated One Arm Military Press

  1. 1
    Setup

    Sit on a bench or floor, holding a kettlebell in one hand with your palm facing your body, racked at shoulder height. Ensure your feet are flat on the floor or legs extended for stability, and your core is engaged.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Position the kettlebell so the bell rests on the back of your forearm, with your elbow tucked close to your body and wrist straight. Your non-pressing hand can rest on your thigh or extend for balance.

  3. 3

    Inhale, then exhale as you press the kettlebell directly overhead, extending your arm fully without locking the elbow. Maintain a stable torso, avoiding any leaning or arching of your back.

  4. 4

    Hold briefly at the top, ensuring your bicep is close to your ear and the kettlebell is directly above your shoulder.

  5. 5

    Inhale as you slowly lower the kettlebell back to the racked position, controlling the descent to maintain tension in your shoulder.

  6. 6

    Complete all repetitions on one side before switching to the other arm.

Tips

  • Maintain Core Stability: Brace your core throughout the movement to prevent your torso from twisting or arching, which protects your spine and enhances force transfer.
  • Control the Descent: Don't let gravity do the work on the way down; actively resist the weight to maximize time under tension and build strength.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbow slightly tucked and directly under the kettlebell in the racked position to provide a strong base and protect your shoulder joint.
  • Wrist Alignment: Ensure your wrist stays straight and strong, avoiding any hyperextension or flexion, which is crucial for preventing wrist strain with the kettlebell's unique load.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Arching the Lower Back: Many people arch their lower back excessively to compensate for lack of shoulder mobility or strength; fix this by actively engaging your core and keeping your rib cage down.
  • ×Pressing with Momentum: Using leg drive or a body lean to press the weight compromises the shoulder isolation; ensure your torso remains still and the press comes purely from your shoulder and arm.
  • ×Flaring the Elbow Out: Allowing the elbow to flare out wide reduces stability and puts undue stress on the shoulder joint; keep your elbow tracking forward and slightly inward during the press.

Variations

Related Exercises

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