ExercisesKettlebell pull-over crunch

Kettlebell pull-over crunch

Lie on your back holding a kettlebell over your chest. Lower it behind your head with straight-ish arms, then pull it back over your chest as you crunch your shoulders off the floor.

CoreKettlebellsDifficulty 2 of 3
Two-panel demonstration of the kettlebell pull-over crunch, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

Lie on your back holding a kettlebell over your chest. Lower it behind your head with straight-ish arms, then pull it back over your chest as you crunch your shoulders off the floor.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • coreprimary

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

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How many sets should you do?

That depends on your goal, your ability, and how many days you train. Answer three questions and the builder works out your sets and reps, plus a full week around them.

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Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2