ExercisesKettlebell single-arm overhead press

Kettlebell single-arm overhead press

Rack a kettlebell at your shoulder, the bell resting on the back of your forearm. Press it straight overhead until your arm locks out, then lower back to the rack under control.

StrengthKettlebellsDifficulty 2 of 3
Two-panel demonstration of the kettlebell single-arm overhead press, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

Rack a kettlebell at your shoulder, the bell resting on the back of your forearm. Press it straight overhead until your arm locks out, then lower back to the rack under control.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • shouldersprimary
  • core

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

No kettlebells? Swap it out

Other options in this pattern

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