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Kettlebell Wrist Extension

Beginner
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Kettlebell wrist extension isolates forearm extensors to build grip strength and wrist stability; performed seated with forearm supported on thigh or bench.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell, Flat Bench

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Forearms

Popularity Score

4

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Bodybuilding
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

Yes

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Forearms

10/10

Extensors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Sit on a bench or chair. Rest your forearm on your thigh or the bench with your wrist and hand hanging freely over the edge. Grip a kettlebell overhand.

  1. Allow your wrist to fully flex downward under the kettlebell's weight.
  2. Extend your wrist upward to lift the kettlebell toward your forearm without moving your elbow.
  3. Squeeze your forearm muscles at the top position.
  4. Slowly lower the kettlebell back to the starting flexed position.
  5. Repeat for reps, then switch arms.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Isolate to wrist only
  • Squeeze at top
  • Control the descent
  • Maintain neutral elbow

Breathing

Inhale as you lower the kettlebell; exhale as you extend your wrist.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Move from full wrist flexion with palm facing down to full extension where the back of your hand approaches your forearm, keeping forearm stationary.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weight
  • Avoid if acute wrist pain
  • Use proper support for forearm
  • Stop on sharp pain

Spotting

Spotting not required; self-spot with free hand if needed for assistance.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum from arm
  • Allowing forearm to lift
  • Gripping too tightly
  • Incomplete range

When to Avoid

  • Acute wrist injury
  • Elbow tendonitis

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate wrist extension range

Build Up First

  • Basic grip control

Also known as

Palms-Down Wrist Curl, Kettlebell Reverse Wrist Curl

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