Which Weight Makes Your Muscles Work Harder: Kettlebell or Barbell?
Surface electromyography excitation in barbell vs. kettlebell overhead press prime movers and stabilizer muscles
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The upper trapezius and anterior deltoid worked harder only during the *lowering* phase with kettlebells.
Most people think the hardest part of a press is pushing up, but this shows control on the way down is where kettlebells really challenge the shoulders.
Practical Takeaways
Add kettlebell overhead presses to your routine to boost shoulder stability and grip strength.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
The upper trapezius and anterior deltoid worked harder only during the *lowering* phase with kettlebells.
Most people think the hardest part of a press is pushing up, but this shows control on the way down is where kettlebells really challenge the shoulders.
Practical Takeaways
Add kettlebell overhead presses to your routine to boost shoulder stability and grip strength.
Publication
Journal
Sport Sciences for Health
Year
2024
Authors
Riccardo Padovan, G. Marcolin, S. Longo, Nicholas Toninelli, Gianpaolo Tornatore, Fabio Esposito, E. Cé, A. Paoli, G. Coratella
Related Content
Claims (5)
When strong male lifters do overhead presses, using a kettlebell makes the forearm muscles work harder than using a barbell — probably because the kettlebell wobbles more and is harder to grip.
When male athletes do overhead presses, using a kettlebell makes their lower back muscles work harder than when using a barbell — probably because the kettlebell is less stable and wobblier.
When guys who lift weights do the lowering part of a shoulder press, using a kettlebell makes the front shoulder muscle work harder than using a barbell — probably because the kettlebell is less stable and harder to control.
When male athletes lower a kettlebell during a shoulder press, their upper trap muscles work harder than when using a barbell—probably because the kettlebell wobbles more and needs more control.
When guys who lift weights do a shoulder press with a kettlebell instead of a barbell, their butt muscles work way harder to keep them stable.