Kettlebell Clean and Press: How-to, Tips & More

The Kettlebell Clean and Press is a beginner compound exercise for your shoulders. You do it with kettlebells, one side at a time. It is a good fit when your goal is strength.

Besides the shoulders, it also works your glutes, triceps and core, so it fits well in a session that trains those muscles together.

Muscles worked

Shoulders muscle

Shoulders

Primary

Glutes muscle

Glutes

Secondary

Triceps muscle

Triceps

Secondary

Core muscle

Core

Secondary

How to do the Kettlebell Clean and Press

  1. Swing the kettlebell between your legs and drive your hips forward.
  2. Pull it up and let it land softly in the rack at your shoulder.
  3. Press it overhead.
  4. Lower it back to the rack, then the swing, and repeat.

Kettlebell Clean and Press tips

  • Guide the bell around your wrist so it does not slam your forearm.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 6 to 12 reps per set, and 6 to 12 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range. It also works well in a superset with an exercise for the opposite muscles. You can finish with a drop set when you want extra volume.

Equipment

Kettlebells

Type

Compound

Kettlebell Clean and Press alternatives

More shoulders exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Kettlebell Clean and Press work?

The Kettlebell Clean and Press mainly works your shoulders, with help from your glutes, triceps and core.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A good starting point is 6 to 12 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 6 to 12 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Kettlebell Clean and Press good for beginners?

Yes. The Kettlebell Clean and Press is considered beginner and is a good choice if you are new to training. Start light and focus on form.

What equipment do I need for the Kettlebell Clean and Press?

You need kettlebells.

Kettlebell Clean and Press demonstration

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