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Last updated February 2, 2026
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Sit-Up Press (Kettlebell)
Lie on your back holding a kettlebell at your chest. Perform a sit-up, and at the top, press the kettlebell overhead. Lower the weight and your body under control.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
abs
Secondary
front shoulders
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
kettlebell
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Lying
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Lie on your back on a mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Hold a kettlebell with both hands, resting it on your chest.
- Step 2Position Your Body
- Engage your core by pulling your belly button towards your spine.
- Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid tensing your neck.
- Step 3Perform the Sit-Up
- Press your lower back into the mat as you lift your upper body towards your knees.
- Use your core muscles to pull yourself up, keeping the kettlebell close to your chest.
- Step 4Press the Kettlebell
- Once you reach the top of the sit-up, extend your arms overhead, pressing the kettlebell up.
- Ensure your arms are straight and your wrists are aligned with your elbows.
- Step 5Lower the Kettlebell
- Lower the kettlebell back to your chest as you begin to lower your upper body back to the mat.
- Control the movement to avoid any sudden drops.
- Step 6Return to Starting Position
- Lower your back to the mat while keeping your core engaged.
- Prepare for the next repetition by resetting your position.
- Step 7Repeat
- Continue performing the sit-up press for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining good form throughout.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the kettlebell down beside you.
- Sit up slowly and take a moment to stretch your core muscles.