Exercise Comparison
Alternating Kettlebell Press vs External Rotation




Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Alternating Kettlebell Press
Instructions
Alternating Kettlebell Press
Clean two kettlebells to your shoulders. Clean the kettlebells to your shoulders by extending through the legs and hips as you pull the kettlebells towards your shoulders. Rotate your wrists as you do so.
Press one directly overhead by extending through the elbow, turning it so the palm faces forward while holding the other kettlebell stationary .
Lower the pressed kettlebell to the starting position and immediately press with your other arm.
External Rotation
Lie sideways on a flat bench with one arm holding a dumbbell and the other hand on top of the bench folded so that you can rest your head on it.
Bend the elbows of the arm holding the dumbbell so that it creates a 90-degree angle between the upper arm and the forearm. Tip: Keep the arm parallel to your torso.
Now bend the elbow while keeping the upper arm stationary. In this manner, the forearm will be parallel to the floor and perpendicular to your torso (Tip: So the forearm will be directly in front of you). The upper arm will be stationary by your torso and should be parallel to the floor (aligned with your torso at all times). This will be your starting position.
As you breathe out, externally rotate your forearm so that the dumbbell is lifted up in a semicircle motion as you maintain the 90 degree angle bend between the upper arms and the forearm. You will continue this external rotation until the forearm is perpendicular to the floor and the torso pointing towards the ceiling. At this point you will hold the contraction for a second.
As you breathe in, slowly go back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions and then switch to the other arm.
Verdict
Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Kettlebell Press is a intermediate exercise using kettlebells, while External Rotation is beginner and uses dumbbell. Choose External Rotation if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Alternating Kettlebell Press for a greater challenge. Alternating Kettlebell Press is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. External Rotation isolates the target muscle for focused development.