Best Beginner Upper Body Workouts With Kettlebells

About

Kettlebells are versatile free weights that provide unique exercise opportunities due to their design, where the weight is not inline with the handle, making them ideal for dynamic movements like kettlebell swings or more traditional exercises such as goblet squats.

This workout is tailored to beginners, defined as individuals with less than one year of fitness experience, featuring movements that are straightforward yet effective in facilitating skill development while maintaining safety and scalability.

Targeting the upper body, this workout focuses on building strength across major muscle groups including the Chest, Back, Shoulders, and Arms through key compound and isolation exercises adaptable to individual capabilities.

The 5 Best Beginner Upper Body Exercises with Kettlebells

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Kettlebell Upright Row

    SETS LOGGED
    749,947
    Shoulders Strength
    95 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Upright Row targets your shoulders and improves muscle activation by allowing you to pull the kettlebell in different directions. It's a great way to build strength in your upper body while using a kettlebell.

    How to do it

    The Kettlebell Upright Row targets your shoulders and improves muscle activation by allowing you to pull the kettlebell in different directions. It's a great way to build strength in your upper body while using a kettlebell.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 2. Kettlebell Row

    SETS LOGGED
    781,099
    Back Strength
    93 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Row is a great exercise for strengthening your back. It involves using one kettlebell, which helps you focus on one side of your body at a time and improves core stability while maintaining posture.

    How to do it

    The Kettlebell Row is a great exercise for strengthening your back. It involves using one kettlebell, which helps you focus on one side of your body at a time and improves core stability while maintaining posture.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 3. Kettlebell Alternating Row

    SETS LOGGED
    573,967
    Back Strength
    91 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Alternating Row is a back-strengthening exercise that also works your shoulders and biceps. By alternating lifts, you give each side time to rest and focus, making it effective for building strength and muscle.

    How to do it

    The Kettlebell Alternating Row is a back-strengthening exercise that also works your shoulders and biceps. By alternating lifts, you give each side time to rest and focus, making it effective for building strength and muscle.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 4. Kettlebell Halo

    SETS LOGGED
    165,260
    Shoulders Strength
    90 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Halo is a simple exercise that works your shoulders and helps improve their mobility. It involves moving a kettlebell around your head, which also engages your core for stability.

    How to do it

    The Kettlebell Halo is a simple exercise that works your shoulders and helps improve their mobility. It involves moving a kettlebell around your head, which also engages your core for stability.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 5. Kettlebell Sit Up and Press

    SETS LOGGED
    219,940
    Abs Strength
    62 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Sit Up and Press is a strength exercise that combines a sit up with an overhead press. It works your core and shoulders, helping to build strength in both areas.

    How to do it

    The Kettlebell Sit Up and Press is a strength exercise that combines a sit up with an overhead press. It works your core and shoulders, helping to build strength in both areas.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs

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Alternative Beginner Workouts with Kettlebells

Alternative Upper Body Workouts with Kettlebells