How to Do Open Palm Kettlebell Clean
Start and end of one clean rep of Open Palm Kettlebell Clean.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Hamstrings |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Glutes, Core, Quads, Shoulders |
| Equipment | Kettlebell |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Open Palm Kettlebell Clean
- Place one kettlebell between your feet. Clean the kettlebell by extending through the legs and hips as you raise the kettlebell towards your shoulders.
- Release the kettlebell as it comes up, and let it flip so that the ball of the kettlebell lands in the palms of your hands.
- Release the kettlebell out in front of you and catch the handle with both hands. Lower the kettlebell to the starting position and repeat.
Muscles worked
- Hamstrings (primary): bends the knee and extends the hip through hinges and pulls.
- Glutes (secondary): extends and stabilises the hip — the engine behind hinges, squats and sprints.
- Core (secondary): braces the trunk and resists twisting to protect the spine.
- Quads (secondary): extends the knee to drive squats, lunges and jumps.
- Shoulders (secondary): raises and rotates the arms and drives everything overhead.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
Form tips
- Lead with the hips, keep a soft knee and hold a long, flat back through the hinge.
- Let the bell stay close to your body and grip only as hard as you need to keep the wrist neutral.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Warm up the pattern with a couple of lighter, submaximal sets before your working sets.
Common mistakes
- Rounding the lower back to reach lower instead of hinging at the hips.
- Gripping the bell in a death-grip, which burns out the forearms long before the target muscle.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Open Palm Kettlebell Clean work?
Open Palm Kettlebell Clean mainly works the hamstrings, with the glutes, core, quads, shoulders helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Open Palm Kettlebell Clean?
Open Palm Kettlebell Clean needs a kettlebell.
How many sets and reps should I do for Open Palm Kettlebell Clean?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
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