Strength

Kettlebell Halo

The kettlebell halo is a beginner strength exercise for your shoulders, using kettlebells.

Main muscles
Shoulders
Also works
Traps, Middle back, Abs, Triceps
Equipment
Kettlebells
Level
Beginner

How to do it

  1. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a kettlebell upside down by the horns, with the bell above your hands and close to your chest. Brace your abdominals and squeeze your glutes so your ribcage stays down. This is your starting position.
  2. Keeping your elbows close to your head, move the kettlebell up past one ear and around behind your head.
  3. Continue the circle past the opposite ear and back down to the starting position in front of your chest, letting the bell pass close to your body throughout.
  4. Complete the prescribed number of circles in one direction, then repeat the same number in the opposite direction.
  5. Move slowly and keep your head, hips and lower back still. If your lower back arches or the bell drifts far from your head, use a lighter weight.

Alternatives to the kettlebell halo

Band lateral raise Resistance bands Cable lateral raise Cable stack Dumbbell lateral raise Dumbbells Half-kneeling one-arm dumbbell press Dumbbells Seated dumbbell shoulder press Dumbbells, Adjustable bench Shoulder press machine Shoulder press machine