Supercharge Your Bicep Tricep Kettlebell Workout: 12 Exercises

Lula Thompson

On 1/16/2025, 6:39:36 PM

Build strong arms with a bicep tricep kettlebell workout! Learn 12 effective exercises for a full arm blast.

Table of Contents

Ready to pump up those arms? Forget endless gym machines; it's time to grab a kettlebell and get to work. This isn't about complicated routines; it’s about simple, effective moves that will sculpt your biceps and triceps. We're diving into a bicep tricep kettlebell workout that's both powerful and efficient. Think of a kettlebell as your all-in-one gym – it's perfect for building strength and adding some serious definition to your arms. In this guide, I'll walk you through twelve key exercises, showing you how to get the most out of each rep. We'll start with bicep curls, moving onto tricep extensions, and then I'll show you how to combine these moves for a complete arm-blasting session. Get ready to ditch the fluff and focus on real results with this bicep tricep kettlebell workout. Let's get started and make those arms work!

Bicep Kettlebell Exercises: Curl Variations

Bicep Kettlebell Exercises: Curl Variations

Bicep Kettlebell Exercises: Curl Variations

The Classic Curl, But Better

Let's kick things off with the bread and butter of bicep work: the curl. But we're not just doing any curl; we're using kettlebells, which change the game. The standard two-handed kettlebell curl, with your palms facing down, is a fantastic place to start. It's not just about lifting the weight; it's about controlling it. Feel the squeeze in your biceps at the top, and then slowly lower the kettlebell back down. Don’t let gravity do all the work; make those muscles earn it. This move hits the main part of your bicep, making it a solid base for the rest of our workout.

Now, let’s try something a bit different. The "horns up" bicep curl is where you flip your grip, so your palms face up as you lift. It might seem like a small change, but it shifts the focus to different muscle fibers, giving you a more rounded bicep. Remember, it’s not about how much weight you can lift; it’s about how well you can control it. Slow and steady wins this race. Think of each rep as a mini-challenge to your muscles. If you are feeling confident, try the crush grip curl, this is where you squeeze the kettlebell's horns while you are curling, it will make your bicep work harder.

Exercise

Grip

Focus

Two-Handed Curl

Palms Down

Overall Bicep

Horns Up Curl

Palms Up

Different Bicep Fibers

Crush Grip Curl

Squeezing the Horns

Bicep peak

Hammer Time and Single-Arm Challenges

let's switch it up with hammer curls. Hold the kettlebell like you’re holding a hammer, with your palms facing each other. This grip hits the brachialis muscle, which sits under your bicep and helps make your arm look thicker. It's a subtle change, but it makes a big difference. As you curl the weight up, think about keeping your elbows tucked in and your core tight. Don't let the weight swing around; control the movement from start to finish. This is where you'll start to feel the burn.

Finally, let's try some single-arm hammer curls. This is where you'll really start to feel the difference that a kettlebell makes. It's not just about lifting the weight, it's about stability and control. As you curl, focus on keeping your body still and avoiding any rocking. This unilateral movement will help even out any strength imbalances you might have. If you are feeling bold, try to do this in a slow tempo. It’s a great way to challenge your mind and body at the same time.

Tricep Kettlebell Exercises: Extensions and More

Tricep Kettlebell Exercises: Extensions and More

Tricep Kettlebell Exercises: Extensions and More

Overhead Extensions and Kickbacks

Alright, let's switch gears and hit those triceps. First up, the overhead tricep extension. Grab that kettlebell by the horns and hold it behind your head. Now, extend your arms straight up, focusing on that tricep squeeze at the top. It's not about just flinging the weight up; it's about feeling the muscle work. Lower it back down slowly, and make sure your elbows stay tucked in. This is a great move for building those horseshoe-shaped triceps. If you're feeling fancy, try doing it with one arm at a time, it will challenge your core too!

Next, we have tricep kickbacks. Hinge at your hips, keep your back straight, and let the kettlebell hang down. Then, extend your arm back, squeezing your tricep. Think about pushing the kettlebell away from your body. It's a smaller movement than the extension, but it's excellent for isolating the tricep. Remember, slow and controlled movements will give you better results. It's not a race; it's about making every rep count.

Exercise

Movement

Focus

Overhead Extension

Extending arms overhead

Tricep mass

Tricep Kickback

Extending arm back

Tricep isolation

Skull Crushers and Crush Grip Push-Ups

Now, let's get a bit more intense with skull crushers. Lie on the floor with the kettlebell held straight above you. Lower the kettlebell towards your forehead by bending your elbows, then extend back up. It is called skull crusher for a reason, so proceed with caution, do not hit your head. This move really hits the tricep hard. If you are new to this, start with a lighter weight and focus on your form. It’s not about the weight; it’s about the connection with your muscles.

Finally, let’s try something different: crush grip push-ups. Grab the kettlebell by the sides and get into a push-up position. As you lower yourself down, squeeze the kettlebell as hard as you can. This will engage your triceps more. It's a great way to add a tricep focus to a classic exercise. If standard push-ups are too easy, try elevating your feet. If they are too hard, do them on your knees. Remember, this is all about building strength and confidence.

Combining Bicep and Tricep Kettlebell Moves for a Full Arm Workout

Combining Bicep and Tricep Kettlebell Moves for a Full Arm Workout

Combining Bicep and Tricep Kettlebell Moves for a Full Arm Workout

so you've got the bicep curls and tricep extensions down, right? Now, let's put it all together for a full arm workout. It’s not just about doing a bunch of random exercises; it’s about making them work together. Think of your workout like a recipe: each ingredient (exercise) plays a specific role. So, we'll start by alternating between bicep and tricep moves, which keeps your muscles engaged and your heart rate up. For example, you could do a set of two-handed curls followed by a set of overhead extensions. No rest, just straight into the next move. This is where you will really start to feel the burn, but it's also where you see the most results. It's a way to maximize your time and effort. Remember, it's all about making every minute count, no wasted reps.

To make things more interesting, let's create a mini-circuit. Let's say you do 10 reps of a two-handed curl, then 10 reps of a tricep kickback, then 10 reps of a hammer curl, and then 10 reps of a skull crusher. Rest for a minute, and then repeat that circuit three to four times. This will keep your workout dynamic and interesting, and it will work your muscles from different angles. This approach is a great way to make sure that you are not just getting stronger, but also more resilient and balanced. It’s about pushing your limits and seeing what you are capable of. This isn't just about lifting weights; it's about building a stronger you. Now that’s what I call a real arm day!

Circuit Example

Reps

Two-Handed Curl

10

Tricep Kickback

10

Hammer Curl

10

Skull Crusher

10

Proper Form and Safety Tips for Your Bicep Tricep Kettlebell Workout

Proper Form and Safety Tips for Your Bicep Tricep Kettlebell Workout

Proper Form and Safety Tips for Your Bicep Tricep Kettlebell Workout

Alright, let's talk safety. It's no fun getting hurt, and honestly, proper form is the secret sauce to seeing real results. So, before you start throwing around that kettlebell like it's a toy, let's break down the essentials. First off, it's not about how much you lift, but how well you lift it. Start with a weight that feels challenging but manageable. If you're wobbling like a bobblehead, you've gone too heavy. And remember, slow and steady wins the race; jerky movements are a recipe for disaster. Focus on controlled motions, squeezing the muscle at the peak of each rep, and then lowering the weight slowly. It's not about speed; it's about feeling the burn in the right place. If you are unsure how to do the move, watch some videos or ask someone who knows what they are doing.

Now, let’s talk about your body position. Keep your core tight during each exercise. This not only protects your back but also helps you generate more power. Think of your core as your body's anchor, it keeps everything stable. When you're doing curls, keep your elbows tucked in; don't let them flare out. For tricep work, keep those elbows from moving around too much; it's all about isolating the tricep muscle. And, most importantly, listen to your body. If something feels off, stop. It's okay to take a break. It's better to stop and rest than to push through pain and get injured. Remember, consistency beats intensity every time, so focus on doing things right, not just doing them fast. This is a marathon, not a sprint!

Safety Tip

Why It Matters

Start with a Manageable Weight

Prevents injury and ensures proper form

Controlled Movements

Maximizes muscle engagement and minimizes risk

Engage Your Core

Provides stability and protects your back

Listen to Your Body

Prevents overexertion and injury

One more thing, breathing. It is easy to forget about it. Make sure you are breathing in and out and you are not holding your breath. It is important to breath during exercise. Inhale as you lower the weight and exhale when you lift it up. Proper breathing helps to maintain the blood flow and provide oxygen to your muscles. It is like fuel for your workout, so don't skip this step. And, of course, don't forget to warm up before you start and cool down when you finish. A few minutes of light cardio and some dynamic stretching can make a huge difference. It prepares your body for the workout and helps prevent muscle soreness. It is like stretching before a big race, you cannot skip it.

Finally, think about your setup. Make sure you have enough space. You don't want to be knocking into your coffee table while doing skull crushers. And, if you are doing overhead movements, make sure your ceiling is high enough. It sounds silly, but it's important to have a safe environment. If you are working out at home, make sure your floor is clear of any clutter. And, if you are working out at the gym, make sure you are respectful of other people. It is all about being safe and smart, so you can keep showing up and making progress. Remember, the goal is to build a stronger you, so let's do it safely.

"The key is not to lift heavy, but to lift correctly." - Someone wise

Wrapping Up Your Bicep Tricep Kettlebell Workout

So, you've powered through the bicep curls and tricep extensions, feeling the burn and building strength. Remember, this bicep tricep kettlebell workout is a journey, not a sprint. Consistency and proper form are your best friends. Don't rush the process; focus on each movement, and you'll see those gains. Now, it's your turn to take what you've learned and make it your own. Mix and match these exercises, challenge yourself, and most importantly, have fun with it. Strong arms are waiting – go get 'em!