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Kettlebell Half Kneeling Single-Arm Press

Intermediate
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Unilateral overhead press from half-kneeling stance using a kettlebell targets shoulders and core for building strength, stability, and correcting imbalances; enhances posture and coordination.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Triceps

Secondary Muscles

Glutes, Lower Back, Traps

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Stability
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

10/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts

Triceps

8/10

Lateral Head

Abs

7/10

Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Glutes

5/10

Glute Medius

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Traps

3/10

Upper Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Kneel on one knee with the other foot flat forward at 90 degrees; rack kettlebell in opposite hand on forearm with elbow tucked.

  1. Brace core and squeeze glutes to stabilize hips.
  2. Press kettlebell overhead by extending arm fully.
  3. Keep wrist straight and bicep near ear at top.
  4. Lower kettlebell slowly to rack position.
  5. Maintain upright torso without rotation.
  6. Switch sides after reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core tight
  • Glutes engaged
  • Wrist neutral
  • Elbow locked
  • Torso upright
  • Track knee over toe

Breathing

Inhale during lowering; exhale forcefully while bracing core and pressing up.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

From racked position at shoulder to full arm extension overhead with bicep by ear; knee at 90 degrees.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if shoulder impingement or knee issues present
  • Start light to master stability
  • Keep spine neutral to protect back
  • Ensure proper knee alignment
  • Consult pro with injuries

Spotting

Not typically required; use light weight or partner for balance support if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Rotating torso
  • Collapsing knee inward
  • Using momentum
  • Hyperextending elbow

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Acute back pain
  • Knee injuries

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Hip mobility for half kneel

Build Up First

  • Master basic standing press
  • Proficient half-kneeling stability

Also known as

Half Kneeling Kettlebell Press, Single Arm Half Kneeling Press, Kettlebell Kneeling Overhead Press

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