Exercise guide
Kettlebell Reverse Press On Floor
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Shoulders
- Upper arms
- Waist
The Kettlebell Reverse Press on the floor is a compound pushing movement that builds upper body strength while protecting the shoulder joint by limiting the range of motion. It specifically targets the triceps and chest lockout strength while providing a stable base for heavy pressing.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Lie flat on your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet flat for stability.
- Grasp the kettlebell handle so the weight rests on the outside of your forearm in the 'rack' position.
- Position your pressing arm so the elbow is at a 45-degree angle relative to your torso.
- Ensure your wrist is straight and your knuckles are pointing directly toward the ceiling.
How to do it
- Exhale as you press the kettlebell straight up toward the ceiling until your arm is fully locked out.
- Inhale as you lower the kettlebell under control until your upper arm and elbow lightly touch the floor.
- Maintain a controlled 2-1-2 tempo (2 seconds up, 1 second pause at the top, 2 seconds down).
- Complete the desired number of repetitions on one side before safely switching to the other arm.
Form checklist
- Keep your lower back pressed firmly into the floor throughout the movement.
- Avoid flaring your elbow out to 90 degrees; maintain the 45-degree tuck to protect the shoulder.
- Keep your wrist neutral and rigid; do not let the weight of the kettlebell bend your wrist backward.
- Do not bounce your elbow off the floor; use a dead-stop or a light touch to ensure muscle tension.
Pro tips
- Squeeze the kettlebell handle as hard as possible to engage the 'irradiation' effect, which increases shoulder stability.
- Drive your non-pressing shoulder and your feet into the floor to create a more stable platform for the press.
Make it harder
- Incorporate a 3-second pause at the bottom of the movement to eliminate all elastic energy and force a pure concentric drive.
- Straighten your legs out flat on the floor to remove the stability provided by your lower body, forcing the core to work harder.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the kettlebell reverse press on floor work?
- The kettlebell reverse press on floor primarily targets the deltoids and triceps, and also works the abs, obliques, and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the kettlebell reverse press on floor?
- The kettlebell reverse press on floor uses kettlebell.
- Is the kettlebell reverse press on floor good for beginners?
- The kettlebell reverse press on floor is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
Related exercises
- Arm Double CrossoverIntermediate · biceps, deltoids, and triceps
- Band Seated Neutral Grip Shoulders PressIntermediate · deltoids and triceps
- Barbell Bench Press With 1 BoardIntermediate · deltoids, pectorals, and triceps
- Barbell Clean And PressAdvanced · deltoids, erector spinae, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and triceps