Best Upper Body Workouts With Kettlebells For Men

About

Kettlebells serve as versatile free weights, distinguished from dumbbells by the unique position of their weight relative to the handle.

This characteristic enables specific exercises like kettlebell swings, capitalizing on the dynamic motion, as well as standard exercises such as goblet squats.

The workout is tailored for men, with generalization based on averages, such as 5'10", 180 lbs, and 35 years old, but it's important to adapt according to personal capability.

Targeting various upper body muscle groups--including chest, back, shoulders, biceps, and triceps--offers a comprehensive training session.

These exercises integrate movement patterns, combining compound exercises like rows and isolation movements to improve strength and endurance.

This workout is structured to promote goal achievement efficiently while accommodating individual differences.

The 14 Best Upper Body Exercises with Kettlebells for Men

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
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 2. Turkish Get Up

    SETS LOGGED
    93,905
    Shoulders Strength
    73 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Turkish Get Up is a full-body exercise that builds strength and stability. It primarily works the shoulders, core, and legs through a series of movements from lying down to standing up while holding a weight overhead.

    How to do it

    The Turkish Get Up is a full-body exercise that builds strength and stability. It primarily works the shoulders, core, and legs through a series of movements from lying down to standing up while holding a weight overhead.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 3. 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
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 4. Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Press

    SETS LOGGED
    62,787
    Shoulders Strength
    91 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Press is a shoulder exercise that helps identify and correct side imbalances by using one kettlebell. Holding the kettlebell upside down adds some instability, which can enhance muscle engagement.

    How to do it

    The Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Press is a shoulder exercise that helps identify and correct side imbalances by using one kettlebell. Holding the kettlebell upside down adds some instability, which can enhance muscle engagement.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 5. 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
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 6. Gorilla Rows

    SETS LOGGED
    429,620
    Back Strength
    78 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    Gorilla Rows are a great back exercise that also works your shoulders, biceps, and traps. By alternating sides, you let your muscles recover and focus better on each side during the movement.

    How to do it

    Gorilla Rows are a great back exercise that also works your shoulders, biceps, and traps. By alternating sides, you let your muscles recover and focus better on each side during the movement.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 7. Kettlebell Windmill

    SETS LOGGED
    154,155
    Abs Strength
    53 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Windmill is a core-strengthening exercise that focuses on improving stability and balancing muscle strength between sides. It involves holding a kettlebell overhead while bending and rotating your body to reach down toward your foot.

    How to do it

    The Kettlebell Windmill is a core-strengthening exercise that focuses on improving stability and balancing muscle strength between sides. It involves holding a kettlebell overhead while bending and rotating your body to reach down toward your foot.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 8. Kettlebell Overhead Press

    SETS LOGGED
    182,907
    Shoulders Strength
    84 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Overhead Press is an exercise that works your shoulders while engaging your core for stability. It involves lifting one kettlebell at a time, which enhances balance and coordination.

    How to do it

    The Kettlebell Overhead Press is an exercise that works your shoulders while engaging your core for stability. It involves lifting one kettlebell at a time, which enhances balance and coordination.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 9. 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
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 10. 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
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 11. Kettlebell Jerk

    SETS LOGGED
    79,718
    Shoulders Strength
    65 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Jerk is a powerful exercise that helps build strength and balance. It focuses on using one hand at a time, which can improve your overall performance in weightlifting.

    How to do it

    The Kettlebell Jerk is a powerful exercise that helps build strength and balance. It focuses on using one hand at a time, which can improve your overall performance in weightlifting.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 12. Kettlebell Thruster

    SETS LOGGED
    74,698
    Shoulders Strength
    76 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Thruster is a strength exercise that targets your shoulders, triceps, and quads. Using one kettlebell in each hand helps balance strength on both sides while building power and muscle strength.

    How to do it

    The Kettlebell Thruster is a strength exercise that targets your shoulders, triceps, and quads. Using one kettlebell in each hand helps balance strength on both sides while building power and muscle strength.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 13. Kettlebell Sumo High Pull

    SETS LOGGED
    214,648
    Trapezius Strength
    44 mScore
    Trapezius
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Sumo High Pull is a powerful exercise that combines a sumo deadlift with a high pull. It works your glutes, hamstrings, and upper back while improving overall strength and explosiveness.

    How to do it

    The Kettlebell Sumo High Pull is a powerful exercise that combines a sumo deadlift with a high pull. It works your glutes, hamstrings, and upper back while improving overall strength and explosiveness.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    30lbs
    2
    8reps
    30lbs
    3
    8reps
    30lbs
  • 14. Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Clean

    SETS LOGGED
    31,916
    Forearms Strength
    35 mScore
    Forearms
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Clean is a strength exercise that works multiple muscle groups. It involves lifting a kettlebell held in one hand while keeping it upside down, adding a challenge to your grip and stability.

    How to do it

    The Single Arm Bottoms-up Kettlebell Clean is a strength exercise that works multiple muscle groups. It involves lifting a kettlebell held in one hand while keeping it upside down, adding a challenge to your grip and stability.

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

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Upper Body Workouts for Men

Alternative Workouts with Kettlebells for Men

Alternative Upper Body Workouts with Kettlebells