Bent Press

Also called kettlebell bent press, bent press and old time bent press.

Works

Abs, plus glutes, hamstrings, lower back, quads, shoulders and triceps

Equipment

Kettlebell

Level

Advanced

Type

Compound

How to do it

Setup. Clean a kettlebell to your shoulder. Clean the kettlebell to your shoulders by extending through the legs and hips as you raise the kettlebell towards your shoulder. The wrist should rotate as you do so. This will be your starting position.

1. Begin my leaning to the side opposite the kettlebell, continuing until you are able to touch the ground with your free hand, keeping your eyes on the kettlebell. As you do so, press the weight vertically be extending through the elbow, keeping your arm perpendicular to the ground.
2. Return to an upright position, with the kettlebell above your head. Return the kettlebell to the shoulder and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Cues

• Bell racked, eyes on it.
• Lean away, pushing the hip out.
• Arm stays still as body drops under.
• Stand up with the bell locked out.

Common mistakes

• Pressing the bell up.
• Losing sight of the bell.

Where to start

A starting point, not a law. Pick a weight you could lift two or three more times than the top of the range. When every set hits the top of the range, add a little weight.

Go easy, or pick an alternative, if you have a sore shoulder and a cranky lower back. Pain that's sharp or gets worse set to set means stop.

Easier