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Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean

The kettlebell double alternating hang clean is a dynamic exercise that targets the biceps while also engaging the forearms and shoulders. It involves explosive hip and knee extension to lift the kettlebells from a hanging position to shoulder height in an alternating fashion.

Quick Facts

Body PartsUpper Arms
Target MusclesBiceps
Secondary MusclesForearms and Shoulders
EquipmentKettlebell
DifficultyIntermediate
Exercise TypeStrength
BilateralNo

How to Do Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean

Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean with proper form and technique.

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell in each hand with an overhand grip.
  2. Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the hips, keeping your back straight and chest up.
  3. Allow the kettlebells to hang straight down in front of your body.
  4. In one fluid motion, explosively extend your hips and knees while shrugging your shoulders.
  5. As the kettlebells rise, pull them up towards your shoulders, keeping your elbows high and out to the sides.
  6. Catch the kettlebells at shoulder height, with your palms facing inward and your elbows pointing forward.
  7. Lower the kettlebells back down to the starting position and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

Understanding which muscles Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.

Target Muscles

These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.

Biceps

Secondary Muscles

These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.

ForearmsShoulders

Benefits of Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean

Incorporating Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.

  • Biceps Development: Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean directly targets and strengthens the Biceps, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
  • Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Forearms and Shoulders, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
  • Dynamic Strength: Kettlebell exercises develop functional strength and power while improving grip strength and core stability.
  • Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
  • Corrects Imbalances: As a unilateral exercise, it helps identify and correct strength imbalances between sides of the body.

Safety Tips and Precautions

Performing Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.

  • Warm Up Properly: Before performing Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Biceps and surrounding muscles.
  • Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
  • Maintain Grip Security: Ensure your hands are dry or use chalk if needed. A kettlebell slipping mid-movement can cause serious injury.
  • Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
  • Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
  • Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
  • Allow Adequate Recovery: The Biceps typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.

Tracking Your Progress

To make consistent gains with Kettlebell Double Alternating Hang Clean, track these metrics during your workouts:

Sets

Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.

Reps

Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.

Weight

Log the weight used for progressive overload. Aim to gradually increase weight while maintaining proper form.

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