VARIATIONS

One-Arm Open Palm Kettlebell Clean

One hand uses an open palm grip to pull the kettlebell

This unilateral pull develops explosive hip power and posterior chain strength while demanding significant grip stability. It trains the hamstrings and glutes to generate force that transfers the kettlebell to the rack position with an open palm.

HOW TO DO IT

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and the kettlebell between your legs.
  2. Hinge at the hips to grab the handle with one hand using an open palm grip.
  3. Explosively extend your hips and knees to pull the weight upward.
  4. Punch your hand through the window as the bell floats to chest height.
  5. Catch the kettlebell gently in the rack position with the palm facing inward.
  6. Control the descent by hinging at the hips before repeating.

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Pulling the weight up with the arm instead of the hips.
  • Letting the kettlebell crash heavily into the forearm or wrist.
  • Leaning too far back at the top of the movement.
  • Failing to rotate the hand properly for the open palm catch.

TIPS

  • Think of your arm as a rope connecting your hip to the weight.
  • Punch your hand forward at the top to absorb the impact softly.
  • Keep the elbow tucked close to your ribs during the catch.
  • Drive through the mid-foot to maximize hip extension power.

SAFETY

  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout the hinge to protect the lower back.
  • Ensure the wrist remains straight upon impact to avoid joint strain.

DETAILS

Muscles
Hamstrings
Equipment
Kettlebell
Type
Strength Training
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tracked as
Weight & Reps

TECHNIQUE

Base movement
Clean
Arms
One
Legs
Both
Hand orientation
Neutral (palms facing each other)
Body position
Standing
Stance
Shoulder-width

SIMILAR EXERCISES

One-Arm Open Palm Kettlebell Clean · 1/2

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