Clean And Press (Kettlebell)
Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Secondary Muscles
A full-body exercise combining a clean movement with an overhead press, developing power, strength, and coordination.
- Assume a shoulder-width stance, with knees inside the arms. Now while keeping the back flat, bend at the knees and hips so that you can grab the bar with the arms fully extended and a pronated grip that is slightly wider than shoulder width. Point the elbows out to sides. The bar should be close to the shins. Position the shoulders over or slightly ahead of the bar. Establish a flat back posture. This will be your starting position.
- Begin to pull the bar by extending the knees. Move your hips forward and raise the shoulders at the same rate while keeping the angle of the back constant; continue to lift the bar straight up while keeping it close to your body.
- As the bar passes the knee, extend at the ankles, knees, and hips forcefully, similar to a jumping motion. As you do so, continue to guide the bar with your hands, shrugging your shoulders and using the momentum from your movement to pull the bar as high as possible. The bar should travel close to your body, and you should keep your elbows out.
- At maximum elevation, your feet should clear the floor and you should start to pull yourself under the bar. The mechanics of this could change slightly, depending on the weight used. You should descend into a squatting position as you pull yourself under the bar.
- As the bar hits terminal height, rotate your elbows around and under the bar. Rack the bar across the front of the shoulders while keeping the torso erect and flexing the hips and knees to absorb the weight of the bar.
- Stand to full height, holding the bar in the clean position.
- Without moving your feet, press the bar overhead as you exhale. Lower the bar under control .
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps | 13 kg | 7 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 12 kg | 7 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 9 kg | 5 kg |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
Arnold Shoulder Press
Learn more about arnold shoulder press intermediate strength
expert strength
Bottoms Up Press (Kettlebell)
Learn more about bottoms up press (kettlebell) intermediate strength
beginner strength
Close Grip Incline Bench Press (Barbell)
Learn more about close grip incline bench press (barbell) intermediate strength
Jerk (Kettlebell)
Learn more about jerk (kettlebell) intermediate strength
Landmine Press (Barbell)
Learn more about landmine press (barbell) beginner strength
Landmine Press Kneeling (Barbell)
Learn more about landmine press kneeling (barbell) beginner strength
beginner strength
Overhead Carry (Kettlebell)
Learn more about overhead carry (kettlebell) intermediate strength
Overhead Press (Barbell)
Learn more about overhead press (barbell) beginner strength
Overhead Press (Kettlebell)
Learn more about overhead press (kettlebell) beginner strength
Overhead Press (Trap Bar)
Learn more about overhead press (trap bar) intermediate strength
Press (Log)
Learn more about press (log) intermediate strength
Push Press (Barbell)
Learn more about push press (barbell) intermediate strength
Seated Overhead Press (Barbell)
Learn more about seated overhead press (barbell) beginner strength
beginner strength
Shoulder Press (Sled)
Learn more about shoulder press (sled) beginner strength
Stability Ball Dumbbell Shoulder Press
Learn more about stability ball dumbbell shoulder press intermediate strength
Wall Handstand
Learn more about wall handstand intermediate strength
Wall Handstand Push-Up
Learn more about wall handstand push-up intermediate strength
Z Press (Barbell)
Learn more about z press (barbell) intermediate strength