Double Kettlebell Clean
Level
intermediate
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
A kettlebell exercise lifting two kettlebells from the ground to shoulder height in one explosive movement. Develops total-body power and pulling strength.
Instructions
- Place two kettlebells on the ground between your feet, slightly wider than hip-width apart.
- Bend at your hips and knees to grasp both kettlebell handles with your arms extended.
- Position your shoulders over the kettlebells and keep your chest up with a neutral spine.
- Drive through your heels, extending your hips and knees explosively to stand up.
- As you stand, explosively pull the kettlebells up toward your shoulders by driving with your legs and hips.
- Rotate your wrists so your palms face forward as the kettlebells approach shoulder height.
- Land in a strong athletic position with the kettlebells racked at shoulder height, elbows bent and pointing downward.
- Control the position briefly, then lower the kettlebells back to the ground by bending at your hips and knees.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Tips
- The clean is initiated from the ground and uses the power from your legs and hips—not just your arms.
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement; avoid excessive forward lean or rounding at the bottom.
- The explosive extension of your hips and knees generates the power needed to lift two kettlebells.
- Keep your core tight and engaged to protect your lower back.
- Practice with lighter weight to master the movement pattern before progressing to heavier kettlebells.
- This is an excellent exercise for developing total-body strength, power, and conditioning.
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 | 12 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 12 kg | 11 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 9 kg | 8 kg |
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