Skip to main content

Kettlebell Two-Arm Clean

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Kettlebell Two-Arm Clean.

MediumTrapezius

About this exercise

The kettlebell two-arm clean is a bilateral power movement where two kettlebells are explosively pulled from the swing position into the rack position at shoulder height. It builds explosive hip power, upper-back strength, and serves as a foundation for kettlebell pressing movements.

How to Perform

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and two kettlebells on the floor between your feet
  • Hinge at the hips and grip both kettlebell handles with an overhand grip
  • Hike both kettlebells back between your legs to load the hips
  • Explosively drive your hips forward and pull both kettlebells upward, keeping them close to your body
  • As the kettlebells reach hip height, rotate your hands inward and guide the bells into the rack position at your shoulders
  • Absorb the weight softly in the rack with elbows tucked and bells resting on your forearms
  • Lower the kettlebells back into the swing with a controlled hip hinge
  • Repeat for the target number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Trapezius
Secondary
GlutesQuadricepsHamstringsFront shoulders

About the Kettlebell Two-Arm Clean

The Kettlebell Two-Arm Clean 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.