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Kettlebell Burpee

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A high-intensity, full-body movement combining a push-up, jump, squat, and overhead press, using a kettlebell to build explosive power, strength, and conditioning.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell, Body Weight

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Conditioning
Endurance
Power
Fat Loss

Training Style

HIIT
CrossFit
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Chest

6/10

Mid Chest

Triceps

6/10

Lateral Head, Long Head

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-90 seconds • Suitable for interval training or metcons.

How to Perform

Stand holding a single kettlebell vertically by the handle at chest level, feet shoulder-width apart. Ensure you have clear, non-slip space for the movement transition.

  1. Squat down and place the kettlebell on the floor between your feet.
  2. Kick your feet back quickly into a plank position, hands gripping the kettlebell handle.
  3. Perform a push-up, touching your chest lightly to the top of the kettlebell.
  4. Push back up forcefully, then immediately jump your feet forward toward your hands.
  5. Grasp the kettlebell and drive up quickly, racking it back to chest level.
  6. Explosively drive the kettlebell straight overhead until your arms are fully locked out.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Maintain a stable plank.
  • Explode up quickly.
  • Lock out the press.
  • Keep the back flat.

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into the push-up and squat down; forcefully exhale as you jump forward and press the weight overhead. Maintain core brace.

Tempo

X-0-X

Range of Motion

Lower the chest to lightly touch the kettlebell during the push-up, and achieve full extension of the hips and elbows during the overhead press.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use a flat-bottomed kettlebell to minimize rolling during the push-up phase.
  • Ensure grip security on the kettlebell handle before initiating the push-up.
  • Stop if you feel sharp pain in the wrists or shoulders.

Spotting

Not recommended. This is a ballistic, full-body movement; use lighter weight or regress the movement if the technique breaks down.

Common Mistakes

  • Letting the hips sag during the plank phase.
  • Rounding the lower back when standing up with the KB.
  • Insufficient squat depth before placing the weight.
  • Failing to fully lock out the arms overhead.

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder or wrist injuries
  • Severe lower back pain
  • Uncontrolled hypertension

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate wrist extension for push-up position
  • Good thoracic extension for the overhead press
  • Full squat depth capability

Build Up First

  • Ability to perform a standard push-up
  • Kettlebell overhead press competency
  • High-intensity cardiovascular fitness

Also known as

KB Burpee, Kettlebell Thruster Burpee, Burpee with Kettlebell Press

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