Flex

Kettlebell Overhead Press

Muscles worked

Technique

Setup

Clean one kettlebell, or lift it with both hands, into the rack position so it rests on the back of your forearm against your chest, wrist straight and elbow tucked. Stand with feet hip-width, glutes squeezed and core braced.

Movement

Press the bell straight up, keeping your forearm vertical, until your arm locks out with your biceps beside your ear. Lower it under control back to the rack. Finish the set, then switch sides.

Form Tip

Squeeze the handle and the glute on the pressing side; leaning away from the bell to finish a rep shifts the load into your lower back.

Increase Difficulty

Use a heavier bell, or press from the bottoms-up position for extra shoulder stability.

Decrease Difficulty

Use a lighter bell, or press from half-kneeling so your hips and ribs stay put.