Kettlebell Halo

Technique

The kettlebell halo is a shoulder-mobility and core-stability drill where you hold a kettlebell upside down by the horns close to your chest and chin, then circle it around your head in a tight, controlled loop. Start standing tall with feet shoulder-width apart, gripping the kettlebell by the horns with the bell hanging upside down near your collarbone. Guide the kettlebell around one side of your head and behind it, keeping it close to your skull rather than letting it drift out in front of you, then bring it back around to the starting position before reversing direction. Brace your core and keep your torso still throughout, since the movement should happen at your shoulders, not from twisting or leaning your trunk.

Steps

1. Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the kettlebell upside down by the horns near your chest
2. Brace your core and keep your torso still
3. Circle the kettlebell around your head in one direction, keeping it close to your skull
4. Pass it behind your head and back to the starting position in front of your chest
5. Reverse direction and repeat for the same number of reps

Common mistakes

• Letting the kettlebell drift far out in front of the head instead of staying close
• Twisting or leaning the torso to help move the kettlebell around
• Using too heavy a kettlebell, turning a mobility drill into an uncontrolled swing

Variations

• Tall-kneeling kettlebell halo to remove leg and hip assistance
• Plate halo using a weight plate instead of a kettlebell for a different grip
• Halo paused at the back of the head for extra time under tension

FAQ