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Kettlebell Clean and Jerk

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Dynamic full-body kettlebell lift combining clean to rack and jerk overhead, targeting legs, glutes, shoulders, and core for power, strength, and coordination; staple in CrossFit and functional training.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

5/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Quads, Hamstrings, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Traps, Forearms

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Power
Endurance
Conditioning

Training Style

CrossFit
Functional Training
Weightlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris

Hamstrings

8/10

Biceps Femoris

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis

Triceps

6/10

Long Head

Lats

5/10

Traps

4/10

Upper Traps

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

3-10 reps

Rest Between Sets

90-180 seconds • Longer for heavy power sets

How to Perform

Place kettlebell on floor between feet, shoulder-width apart. Hinge at hips with straight back, grip handle with one hand, free arm extended for balance.

  1. Swing kettlebell back between legs with straight arm.
  2. Explosively drive hips forward and extend legs to propel kettlebell up.
  3. Keep kettlebell close to body and rotate hand to rack at shoulder.
  4. From rack, dip slightly by bending knees.
  5. Explosively drive up through legs, pushing under kettlebell.
  6. Lock arm overhead with bicep by ear and body aligned.
  7. Control kettlebell back to rack, then swing down for next rep.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hip drive powers the movement
  • Keep bell close to body
  • Punch under the weight
  • Core tight throughout
  • Neutral spine always
  • Soft rack catch

Breathing

Inhale during backswing and dip, brace core, exhale forcefully during hip drive and lockout.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Kettlebell travels from floor to full overhead lockout with arm straight, elbow aligned under wrist; rack position with elbow tucked and kettlebell on forearm.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Master kettlebell swing and clean first
  • Start with light weight to perfect form
  • Avoid wrist banging by rotating arm properly
  • Maintain neutral spine to protect lower back
  • Control descent to prevent strain
  • Seek coaching for technique if beginner

Spotting

No spotter needed; use light weight and focus on self-control. For heavy sets, have partner assist in rack or overhead catch.

Common Mistakes

  • Crashing kettlebell on forearm
  • Rounding back during hinge
  • Using arms to pull
  • Late dip in jerk
  • Overhead arch without lockout
  • Poor timing between phases

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Wrist or forearm injuries
  • Lower back pain
  • Poor hip mobility

Flexibility Needed

  • Full shoulder flexion overhead
  • Adequate hip hinge mobility
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for dip

Build Up First

  • Proficient in kettlebell swing
  • Master single-arm clean
  • Competent overhead press or push press

Also known as

KB Clean and Jerk, Kettlebell C&J, Single Kettlebell Clean and Jerk

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