10 Best Kettlebell Double Push Press Alternatives for Shoulder Strength

The Kettlebell Double Push Press is done standing with a kettlebell. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Push Press - Behind The Neck, the Dumbbell Push Press and the Push Press.

Kettlebell Double Push PressWatch the Kettlebell Double Push Press

Each substitute is scored on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. Read how we rank alternatives

How to Do the Kettlebell Double Push Press

The steps for the Kettlebell Double Push Press itself, so you can judge how close each substitute below really is.

Delts, with triceps, core · Kettlebell · Intermediate · Compound

  1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell in each hand at shoulder height.
  2. Bend your knees slightly and engage your core.
  3. Initiate the movement by explosively extending your hips, knees, and ankles, driving the kettlebells overhead.
  4. As the kettlebells reach the top, press them fully overhead, locking out your arms.
  5. Lower the kettlebells back to the starting position by bending your elbows and bringing them back down to shoulder height.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

The 10 Best Kettlebell Double Push Press Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Kettlebell Double Push Press on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Cards with a "How to perform it" link open to show the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

Each link re-ranks the list below for the kit it names. Pick one to hide the substitutes you cannot set up.

  1. Push Press - Behind The Neck

    1. Push Press - Behind The Neck

    95% match

    Delts · Advanced · Compound

    A good swap when you have a barbell to work with, and it still works the delts.

    • Barbell
    How to perform it
    1. Standing with the weight racked on the back of the shoulders, begin with the dip. With your feet directly under your hips, flex the knees without moving the hips backward. Go down only slightly, and reverse direction as powerfully as possible. Drive through the heels create as much speed and force as possible, moving the bar in a vertical path.
    2. Using the momentum generated, finish pressing the weight overhead be extending through the arms.
    3. Return to the starting position, using your legs to absorb the impact.

    Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: overhead push press, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Primary muscle: delts, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
  2. Dumbbell Push PressPlay demonstration

    2. Dumbbell Push Press

    95% match

    Delts · Intermediate · Compound

    A good swap when you have dumbbells to work with, and it still works the delts.

    • Dumbbell
    How to perform it
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at shoulder level.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and dip your body down, then explosively extend your legs and press the dumbbells overhead.
    3. Lock out your arms at the top of the movement, then lower the dumbbells back to shoulder level.
    4. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: overhead push press, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Primary muscle: delts, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
  4. Standing Two-arm Overhead Throw

    4. Standing Two-arm Overhead Throw

    95% match

    Delts · Intermediate · Compound

    A good swap when you have a medicine ball to work with, and it still works the delts.

    • Medicine-ball
    How to perform it
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart holding a medicine ball in both hands. To begin, reach the medicine ball deep behind your head as you bend the knees slightly and lean back.
    2. Violently throw the ball forward, flexing at the hip and using your whole body to complete the movement.
    3. The medicine ball can be thrown to a partner or to a wall, receiving it as it bounces back.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: delts, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
  5. Kettlebell One Arm Push PressPlay demonstration

    5. Kettlebell One Arm Push Press

    93% match

    Delts · Intermediate · Compound

    Pick this when you want to work the delts one side at a time.

    • Kettlebell
    How to perform it
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell in one hand at shoulder level.
    2. Bend your knees slightly and engage your core.
    3. Press the kettlebell overhead by extending your arm and fully extending your legs.
    4. Lower the kettlebell back to the starting position by bending your knees and bringing the kettlebell back to your shoulder.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

    Why this matches
    • Movement: overhead push press, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Primary muscle: delts, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Kettlebell Double Push Press

Why You Might Need a Kettlebell Double Push Press Alternative

You may substitute the kettlebell double push press because of limited equipment, shoulder pain, poor hip drive, or the need for unilateral work. A strict overhead press reduces hip contribution and increases deltoid isolation; cue: press through a vertical line over the mid-foot to limit lumbar extension. If you lack an extra kettlebell, use a dumbbell push press and emphasize a shorter, more controlled leg drive to preserve shoulder integrity. Choosing a substitute lets you maintain progressive overload while protecting rotator cuff and scapular mechanics.

How to Choose the Right Kettlebell Double Push Press Substitute

Pick a substitute based on your goal, available equipment, and movement faults. For power and transfer to athletic tasks, choose a push press variation and cue a fast but short hip extension to drive the bell. For hypertrophy or rehab, choose strict seated or standing overhead presses and cue full scapular upward rotation and slow eccentrics to increase time under tension. Consider unilateral options if you have asymmetries, keep the elbow tracking slightly forward of the body to maximize lateral deltoid activation and minimize compensatory torso lean.

Kettlebell Double Push Press FAQ

What muscles does Kettlebell Double Push Press work?

You primarily target the anterior and lateral deltoids, with secondary load on the triceps and upper traps. The hip drive recruits glutes and quads; cue: use a short leg dip to transfer force into the shoulders while maintaining a braced core to reduce shear on the spine.

Can I build muscle without doing Kettlebell Double Push Press?

Yes. You can build delts with strict overhead presses, dumbbell variations, and targeted accessory work like lateral raises while applying progressive overload. Cue: increase time under tension with controlled eccentrics and ensure the pressing line stays over the mid-foot to maintain optimal deltoid recruitment and safe biomechanics.

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