Kettlebell Exercises (Upper Body)

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated: 4 May 2022

The following Kettlebell exercises are designed to improve the strength of the muscles of the upper body. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should only be performed provided they do not cause or increase pain. Begin with the basic Kettlebell exercises. Once these are too easy, progress to the advanced and other Kettlebell exercises.

Basic Kettlebell Exercises – Upper Body

The following basic Kettlebell exercises should generally be performed 1 – 3 times per week provided they do not cause or increase pain. Ideally they should not be performed on consecutive days, to allow muscle recovery. Generally you should begin with one or two exercises, and gradually add additional exercises over a period of days to weeks provided they are pain free. As your strength improves, the exercises can be progressed by gradually increasing the repetitions, number of sets, number of exercises or resistance of the exercises provided they do not cause or increase pain.

Kettlebell Pull Backs

Begin this exercise standing in a lunge position with your left elbow resting on your left knee and holding a light Kettlebell in your right hand as demonstrated (figure 1). Keeping your back and neck straight and your arm by your side, slowly pull the Kettlebell straight up leading with your elbow. Pause briefly at the top of the movement and then slowly return to the starting position. Perform 1 – 3 sets of 10 repetitions on each side provided the exercise is pain free.

Kettlebell Floor Press

Begin this exercise lying on your back, with your feet flat on the floor, your elbows straight and holding a light Kettlebell in each hand directly above your shoulders as demonstrated (figure 2). Slowly lower the Kettlebells, allowing your elbows to move to the side until they touch the floor momentarily, then slowly return to the starting position. Ensure the Kettlebells remain directly above your elbows throughout the exercise. Perform 1 – 3 sets of 10 repetitions provided the exercise is pain free.

Kettlebell Shoulder Press

Begin this exercise sitting on a Swiss Ball and holding a light Kettlebell in each hand as demonstrated (figure 3). Keeping your back and neck straight and the Swiss Ball still, slowly straighten your arms pushing the Kettlebells overhead and then slowly return to the starting position. Perform 1 – 3 sets of 10 repetitions provided the exercise is pain free.

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Advanced Kettlebell Exercises – Upper Body

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Other Kettlebell Exercises – Upper Body

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Become a PhysioAdvisor Member and gain full access to our complete Injury Database. Our experienced physiotherapists are updating PhysioAdvisor’s injury articles to include the most important information to help users take control of their injury and hasten their recovery. Updated sections include detailed information on: Treatment, Intermediate & Advanced Exercises and a step by step Rehabilitation Protocol for each updated injury article – ensuring you have the tools to take control of your injury and save money on expensive physiotherapy consultations.

   Physiotherapy Products for Exercises

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 More Information

• View Lower Body Kettlebell Exercises
• View Arm Strengthening Exercises
• View Arm Stretches
• View Before You Start Pilates
• View Shoulder Strengthening Exercises
• View Elbow Strengthening Exercises
• View Wrist Strengthening Exercises
• View Shoulder Stretches
• View Elbow Stretches
• View Wrist Stretches
• View Upper Body Resistance Band Exercises
• View Upper Body Foam Roller Exercises
• View Upper Body Massage Ball Exercises
• View Core Exercises
• View Balance Exercises

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