Double Kettlebell High Pull
Level
intermediate
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
An explosive kettlebell pulling movement that combines a deadlift with an upright row, developing power and shoulder 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, positioning your shoulders over the bells.
- Keep your chest up and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- Drive explosively through your heels, extending your hips and knees to stand up.
- As you stand, explosively pull the kettlebells upward by shrugging your shoulders and driving your elbows upward.
- Pull the kettlebells high so your elbows rise to approximately shoulder height or slightly higher.
- The kettlebells should travel close to your body throughout the pull.
- Control the descent by lowering the kettlebells back down as you bend your hips and knees.
- Return the kettlebells to the ground and reset for the next repetition.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Tips
- The high pull is an explosive movement that develops power and strength in the shoulders and posterior chain.
- Drive the movement from your hips and knees, not from your arms—this generates the power.
- Keep the kettlebells close to your body throughout the pull for maximum efficiency.
- This movement can be performed for high reps (8-12) for strength development or higher reps for conditioning.
- Proper form is essential; practice the movement with lighter weight before progressing to heavier loads.
- This is an excellent exercise for developing explosive power and athletic performance.
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.
Double Kettlebell Half Snatch
Learn more about double kettlebell half snatch intermediate strength
intermediate strength