Top 10 Upper Body Kettlebell Exercises (Women’s Edition)

upper-body-kettlebell-workout-for-women-at-home

Build sculpted arms, shoulders, and back—right from home.

If you’re like most of the women I coach, you’ve probably spent way too much time doing cardio hoping it would “tone your arms” or burn fat.

I’ve got news for you, sis:
The secret to stronger arms, better posture, and a leaner, more powerful upper body isn’t in another HIIT video or 45 minutes on the elliptical.

It’s in strength training—specifically, upper body kettlebell workouts that challenge your muscles and build real functional strength. And the best part? You can do it right in your living room with just one kettlebell.

Whether you’re brand new to training or looking to level up, here are my go-to Top 10 kettlebell exercises for upper body strength—perfect for women who want results without the gym.


🏋️‍♀️ Why Kettlebells Work (Especially for Women)

Kettlebells are queen when it comes to building lean muscle and strength. Unlike dumbbells, they challenge your core, stability, and grip strength in every single rep.

When it comes to strength training for women at home, kettlebells give you the most bang for your buck. You’ll improve posture, strengthen your shoulders and back, sculpt your arms, and burn fat—all while moving like a real athlete.

Now let’s get into the good stuff…


🔥 Top 10 Kettlebell Upper Body Exercises for Women

These moves hit all the major muscle groups in your upper body—arms, shoulders, chest, and back—while also engaging your core.


1. Kettlebell Strict Press

Targets: Shoulders, triceps, core

Stand tall, clean the bell to your shoulder, then press overhead without using your legs. Total control = total strength.

➡️ Pro Tip: Brace your core hard and avoid leaning back. Think tall, tight, and powerful.


2. Kettlebell Bent-Over Row

Targets: Upper back, biceps, core

From a hip hinge position, pull the kettlebell up toward your ribcage. Hello, back definition and strong arms.

➡️ Add a pause at the top for extra burn.


3. Kettlebell Floor Press

Targets: Chest, triceps

Lie on your back, press the kettlebell like a dumbbell bench press. This one’s a favorite for sculpting shoulders and arms.

➡️ Use a towel or mat under your elbow for control and comfort.


4. Kettlebell Half-Kneeling Press

Targets: Shoulders, core

With one knee down, press the bell overhead. This position lights up your obliques and teaches you to stabilize.

➡️ Perfect for building balance and preventing injury.


5. Kettlebell Upright Row

Targets: Shoulders, traps

Pull the bell straight up along your body, elbows high. Great for creating definition across the shoulders.

➡️ Keep it smooth—this isn’t a yank. Control = results.


6. Kettlebell Bottoms-Up Press

Targets: Shoulder stability, grip strength

Hold the kettlebell upside down (bell facing the ceiling) and press. The instability turns your shoulder and grip game way up.

➡️ Start light—this one’s humbling!


7. Kettlebell Push Press

Targets: Shoulders, triceps, full-body power

Use a little leg drive to press the bell up powerfully. This one’s all about controlled explosiveness.

➡️ Great for metabolic conditioning, too.


8. Kettlebell Windmill (With Light Bell)

Targets: Shoulders, core, mobility

Hold the bell overhead, hinge to the side, and touch the ground. Builds strong, mobile shoulders and serious core strength.

➡️ Start bodyweight first if you’re new.


9. Kettlebell Renegade Row

Targets: Back, shoulders, arms, core

In a high plank, row one bell at a time while keeping your hips steady. Total-body tension = total-body strength.

➡️ Modify on knees if needed.


10. Kettlebell High Pull

Targets: Shoulders, arms, cardio

This dynamic move builds muscle and gets your heart rate up. It’s the perfect finisher for an upper body kettlebell workout.

➡️ Pair this with swings for a fiery circuit.


💪 How to Use These in a Workout

Want to put these to use?

Here’s a quick upper body kettlebell circuit:

3 rounds of:

  • 8 Kettlebell Presses (each arm)
  • 10 Bent-Over Rows (each arm)
  • 12 Upright Rows
  • 10 Renegade Rows (total)
  • 30 seconds High Pulls

Rest 1 min between rounds. You’ll be shaking in the best way.


💥 You Deserve to Feel Strong—And You Don’t Need a Gym to Do It

You don’t need 10 machines, a 90-minute workout, or a bodybuilding routine to feel strong, confident, and energized in your body.

You need a smart, simple plan.
You need workouts that actually work.
And you need a coach who gets what it’s like to want results without the overwhelm.


🎯 Ready to Take Your Strength to the Next Level?

If this spoke to you, then my KettleBelle Community might be the perfect next step.

Inside, you’ll get:
✅ Custom kettlebell strength plans
✅ Real nutrition coaching
✅ Accountability and support from me
✅ Progress that feels good and fits your life

👉 Click here to join and let’s build your strongest self—together.

Or want to start small?
Grab my free 3-Day StrongHER Kickstart Course to test drive my style!


You don’t have to shrink to be strong. You just have to start.

Let’s lift heavy, fuel well, and show the world what strong women really look like.


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Coach, kettlebell specialist, and founder of The KettleBelle. Helping women build strength, energy, and confidence.

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