T Nation 25th Anniversary Giveaway - Enter Now
Categories: Bigger Stronger Leaner

Tip: Master This Essential Kettlebell Exercise

The single-arm kettlebell press is one of the best ways to get more weight on your shoulders and into your presses. Take your max barbell strict press and half it. Most people find they're able to lift MORE than half per arm with a kettlebell.

Also, testing each arm individually is a great way to keep on top of developing imbalances. If you can press a considerably larger weight with one arm compared to the other, alter your programming to correct that before jumping into any strength programs.

Do It Right

The way you hold your kettlebell for pressing is extremely important, and not just for maximal strength gains and wrist health. Holding it incorrectly runs the serious risk of a kettlebell enthusiast punching you. (You know how they get.)

When you're pressing a heavy kettlebell, keep the weight as close to your body as possible. Think about bracing as if you were doing a one-rep max deadlift. The rack position is in front of your body, not at the side and definitely not resting on your shoulder.

The wrist position is extremely important too. If your wrist is extended backwards, your forearm won't be supporting the weight. You'll be limited in how much you can press and can even get injured. Roll your fist so that your knuckles are pointing to the ceiling and you have a neutral grip.

Recent Posts

  • Stuff We Make

Mag-10

1 year ago
  • Bigger Stronger Leaner

Question of Strength 65

Ask Me Anything I receive great questions in my T Nation Community Coaching Lab. If…

2 years ago
  • Bigger Stronger Leaner

Question of Strength 64

Ask Me Anything I get a lot of great questions in my T Nation Community…

2 years ago
  • Bigger Stronger Leaner

Your Warm-Up Is Killing Your Workout... and Gains

An Exaggerated Warm-Up Isn't Helpful I don't know when the lengthy warm-up became a thing,…

2 years ago
  • Bigger Stronger Leaner

Assess Your Metabolic State, Dominate Your Workout

Training and Your Metabolic State When I think "workout," I think of speeds. Your metabolic…

2 years ago