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Kettlebell Seated Front Raise

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Kettlebell Seated Front Raise.

EasyFront shoulders

About this exercise

The kettlebell seated front raise isolates the anterior deltoids by raising kettlebells to the front while seated, which eliminates any lower body momentum or trunk lean common in the standing variation. It is an effective shoulder isolation exercise for building front delt strength and definition.

How to Perform

  • Sit upright on a bench, holding a kettlebell in each hand on your thighs with palms facing down
  • Brace your core and sit tall with your back straight
  • With a slight bend in your elbows, raise both kettlebells forward and upward until your arms are at shoulder height or slightly above
  • Pause briefly at the top with your front delts fully contracted
  • Lower the kettlebells slowly back to your thighs in a controlled arc
  • Repeat for the desired number of reps

Muscle Activation

Primary
Front shoulders
Secondary
CoreSide shoulders

About the Kettlebell Seated Front Raise

The Kettlebell Seated Front Raise is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.