Kettlebell Stance width during exercise

[Babyubop123]

Hello,
When performing standing kettlebell arm workouts such as kettlebell curls, overhead press, tricep extensions etc. should the feet be narrow and together, or wide similar to kettlebell swings?? Does one have any benefits over the other? I know you stand wide during kettlebell ballistics, but what about standing arm workouts?

 

[Mark Limbaga]

My default is shoulder width..

You're looking for the following

Enough stability for the exercise
There is no discomfort or pain
It makes the movement fluid and efficient

 

[John Spezzano]

Hello,
When performing standing kettlebell arm workouts such as kettlebell curls, overhead press, tricep extensions etc. should the feet be narrow and together, or wide similar to kettlebell swings?? Does one have any benefits over the other? I know you stand wide during kettlebell ballistics, but what about standing arm workouts?

Welcome to the forum!

Given that our approach to kettlebell training avoids muscle isolation work in favor of "compound, multi-joint lifts," I can't give you advice on doing curls or triceps extensions with them. For ballistics you want a comfortable stance (meaning no hip pain or diminished ROM) just wide enough so the kettlebell can clear your knees at the bottom but you're still able to generate power. No one jumps high with a wide stance.

For presses I recommend you narrow your stance to about hip width after cleaning the kettlebell to the rack. However, there is a lot that goes into pressing. I would not group it in with curls and triceps extensions.

Have you found a StrongFirst instructor nearby who can coach you up on the fundamentals?