Kettlebell Alternating Press

Start in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart. Hold the kettlebell in one hand, resting it on the back of your hand with your palm facing forward. Lift the kettlebell to shoulder height, keeping your elbow slightly bent. Press the kettlebell overhead by fully extending your arm. Lower the kettlebell back down to shoulder height. Repeat the movement with the opposite hand. Alternate pressing the kettlebell overhead with each arm.

How to perform the Kettlebell Alternating Press

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Kettlebell Alternating Press using your kettlebell.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your deltoids.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your deltoids rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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