Best Kettlebell Exercises for Biceps — Top 4

Kettlebell training is explosive hip-hinge movements (swings, cleans, snatches). Here are the best kettlebell exercises for targeting your biceps, ranked by effectiveness. Kettlebells excel at dynamic, explosive movements that build power, conditioning, and grip strength simultaneously.

Ranked by biceps muscle activation percentage, range of motion quality with kettlebell, and progressive overload potential.

1
Kettlebell Curl
BicepsKettlebellbeginner

The kettlebell curl uses the offset center of gravity to create a unique resistance curve that challenges the biceps differently than dumbbells. Perform standing curls with one or two kettlebells.

Biceps80%
Forearms35%

Key Form Cue

Hold a kettlebell by the handle with a supinated (palms-up) grip at full arm extension.

2
Kettlebell Crush Curl
BicepsKettlebellintermediate

The kettlebell crush curl combines a bicep curl with an isometric chest squeeze. Hold the kettlebell by pressing both palms against its sides, squeeze hard, and curl it from waist to chin height.

Biceps70%
Chest35%
Forearms30%

Key Form Cue

Hold the kettlebell by squeezing both palms against the bell, not the handle.

3
Kettlebell Gorilla Row
BackKettlebellintermediate

The kettlebell gorilla row is an alternating bent-over row performed from a wide stance with two kettlebells on the floor. It builds unilateral back strength while demanding serious core stability.

Back80%
Biceps40%
Abs35%

Key Form Cue

Stand in a wide sumo stance with two kettlebells between your feet.

4
Kettlebell Renegade Row
BackKettlebelladvanced

The kettlebell renegade row combines a plank hold with alternating rows, building back strength and anti-rotational core stability simultaneously. It demands total-body tension and balance.

Back70%
Abs55%
Biceps35%
Shoulders30%

Key Form Cue

Set up in a push-up position with hands gripping two kettlebells, feet wider than shoulder width.

Put these exercises into a real program

Revy's AI combines the best exercises for your goals into a personalized training program with progressive overload built in.