Exercise Comparison
Alternating Kettlebell Press vs One-Arm Side Laterals




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.
One-Arm Side Laterals
Pick a dumbbell and place it in one of your hands. Your non lifting hand should be used to grab something steady such as an incline bench press. Lean towards your lifting arm and away from the hand that is gripping the incline bench as this will allow you to keep your balance.
Stand with a straight torso and have the dumbbell by your side at arm's length with the palm of the hand facing you. This will be your starting position.
While maintaining the torso stationary (no swinging), lift the dumbbell to your side with a slight bend on the elbow and your hand slightly tilted forward as if pouring water in a glass. Continue to go up until you arm is parallel to the floor. Exhale as you execute this movement and pause for a second at the top.
Lower the dumbbell back down slowly to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Switch arms and repeat the exercise.
Verdict
Both exercises target the shoulders. Alternating Kettlebell Press is a intermediate exercise using kettlebells, while One-Arm Side Laterals is beginner and uses dumbbell. Choose One-Arm Side Laterals 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. One-Arm Side Laterals isolates the target muscle for focused development.