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Kettlebell Front Raise

Beginner
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Kettlebell Front Raise isolates anterior deltoids to build shoulder strength, endurance, and definition; effective for hypertrophy and stability with controlled lifts.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Traps, Triceps

Accessory Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Hypertrophy
Endurance
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

10/10

Anterior Delts

Shoulders

6/10

Medial Delts

Traps

4/10

Upper Traps

Triceps

3/10

Abs

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding one kettlebell with both hands in front of thighs, arms extended with slight elbow bend, core engaged, back straight.

  1. Exhale and raise kettlebell straight forward from shoulders, keeping arms nearly straight.
  2. Lift until arms parallel to ground or slightly above.
  3. Pause briefly at top, squeezing front deltoids.
  4. Inhale and lower kettlebell slowly to start position.
  5. Repeat for reps, maintaining control.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with shoulders
  • Keep elbows slightly bent
  • Engage core tight
  • Avoid body swing
  • Control the descent

Breathing

Inhale during lowering phase; exhale as you raise the kettlebell, bracing core throughout.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Raise arms to parallel with floor; avoid going above shoulder height to maintain deltoid tension without rotator cuff stress.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder impingement present
  • Use light weight to prioritize form
  • Do not swing body to lift
  • Keep slight elbow bend to protect joints
  • Stop if lower back strain occurs

Spotting

Not typically needed; perform in front of mirror for form check or with light weights.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum from torso
  • Locking elbows fully
  • Raising above shoulder height
  • Neglecting core brace
  • Dropping weight quickly

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent rotator cuff injury
  • Lower back issues without core stability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 160 degrees
  • Stable standing posture

Build Up First

  • Basic shoulder mobility
  • Controlled arm raises without weights

Also known as

KB Front Raise, Kettlebell Shoulder Front Raise, Standing Kettlebell Front Deltoid Raise

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