High Pull (Kettlebell)
Level
beginner
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Secondary Muscles
An explosive pulling exercise where kettlebells are pulled upward to shoulder height, building trap and shoulder strength while developing power in the posterior chain.
Instructions
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and kettlebells at your sides, ready to pull.
- Bend slightly at the knees and hips in an athletic position.
- Explosively extend through your hips, knees, and ankles while pulling the kettlebells upward.
- Drive your elbows high and out, leading with your elbows rather than your hands.
- Pull until the kettlebells reach approximately shoulder height with elbows well above your hands.
- Lower the kettlebells back down under control and reset for the next repetition.
Tips
- Use hip extension explosively to generate power and minimize arm strain.
- Keep kettlebells close to your body during the upward pull for efficiency.
- Pull your elbows high to maximize trap and shoulder activation.
- This exercise builds explosive power and improves athletic qualities.
- Use controlled tempo with good form rather than heavy weight to maintain shoulder health.
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 | 9 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 12 kg | 8 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 9 kg | 6 kg |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
Face Pull (Cable)
Learn more about face pull (cable) beginner strength
High Pull (Trap Bar)
Learn more about high pull (trap bar) intermediate strength
High Row (Cable)
Learn more about high row (cable) beginner strength
Landmine Upright Row (Barbell)
Learn more about landmine upright row (barbell) beginner strength
Machine Upright Row
Learn more about machine upright row beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
Upright Row (Barbell)
Learn more about upright row (barbell) beginner strength
Upright Row (Cable)
Learn more about upright row (cable) intermediate strength
Upright Row (Dumbbell)
Learn more about upright row (dumbbell) intermediate strength
Upright Row (Kettlebell)
Learn more about upright row (kettlebell) beginner strength
Upright Row (Sled)
Learn more about upright row (sled) intermediate strength
Upright Row W/ Dumbbells
Learn more about upright row w/ dumbbells intermediate strength
Upright Row, on Multi Press
Learn more about upright row, on multi press intermediate strength
Upright Row, SZ-Bar
Learn more about upright row, sz-bar intermediate strength