10 Best Kettlebell Seesaw Press Alternatives for Limited Equipment

The Kettlebell Seesaw Press is done standing with a kettlebell. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Kettlebell Alternating Press, the Standing Alternating Dumbbell Press and the See-saw Press (Alternating Side Press).

Kettlebell Seesaw PressWatch the Kettlebell Seesaw Press

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

How to Do the Kettlebell Seesaw Press

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

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

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell in each hand at shoulder height.
  2. Press one kettlebell overhead while keeping the other kettlebell at shoulder height.
  3. Lower the pressed kettlebell back to shoulder height while simultaneously pressing the other kettlebell overhead.
  4. Continue alternating the pressing motion, creating a seesaw-like movement.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

The 10 Best Kettlebell Seesaw Press Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Kettlebell Seesaw 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. Kettlebell Alternating PressPlay demonstration

    1. Kettlebell Alternating Press

    99% match

    Delts · Intermediate · Compound

    It uses the same equipment and still works the delts.

    • Kettlebell
    How to perform it
    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell in each hand at shoulder height.
    2. Press one kettlebell overhead, fully extending your arm.
    3. Lower the kettlebell back to shoulder height.
    4. Repeat with the other arm.
    5. Continue alternating arms for the desired number of repetitions.

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

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: delts, the same as the Kettlebell Seesaw Press
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Kettlebell Seesaw Press
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Kettlebell Seesaw Press
  2. Standing Alternating Dumbbell Press

    2. Standing Alternating Dumbbell Press

    99% 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 a dumbbell in each hand. Raise the dumbbells to your shoulders with your palms facing forward and your elbows pointed out. This will be your starting position.
    2. Extend one arm to press the dumbbell straight up, keeping your off hand in place. Do not lean or jerk the weight during the movement.
    3. After a brief pause, return the weight to the starting position.
    4. Repeat for the opposite side, continuing to alternate between arms.

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

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: delts, the same as the Kettlebell Seesaw Press
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Kettlebell Seesaw Press
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Kettlebell Seesaw Press

Why You Might Need a Kettlebell Seesaw Press Alternative

You may substitute the Kettlebell Seesaw Press for several reasons: lack of kettlebells, shoulder pain, or program variety. If a kettlebell’s uneven load irritates the rotator cuff, choose a neutral-grip dumbbell press to reduce shear and keep the humeral head centered. For rehab or pain, pick a landmine press and press on a diagonal to limit extreme shoulder abduction and reduce impingement. If you need to train core anti-rotation like in the seesaw, use single-arm presses and brace your obliques, cue: inhale, brace, press while keeping ribs down. Each alternative preserves deltoid activation but alters stability demands and range-of-motion.

Kettlebell Seesaw Press FAQ

What muscles does Kettlebell Seesaw Press work?

The seesaw press targets the deltoids, primarily the anterior and lateral heads, while recruiting triceps and upper pectoralis for lockout. It also demands scapular stabilizers and anti-rotational core engagement due to the alternating load; cue: brace your obliques and keep the scapula depressed during each press.

Find Alternatives for Any Exercise

Search the exercise database and filter the ranked substitutes by the equipment you own.