How to perform the Kettlebell Halo, by Coach Gabe West on YouTube. 2 min 23 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 23 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Pick a light kettlebell, around 4 to 8 kg. You will be moving it in a circle around your head, so start lighter than you think you need.
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your knees soft. Hold the bell by the handle with both hands, upside down, with the ball above your fists.
Brace your stomach muscles and keep your ribs stacked over your hips. Press the bell slightly away from your chest so it clears your head.
Start circling the bell around your head, close to your skull but never touching it. Keep your head still and your eyes forward.
Let your arms do the work and stop your lower back from arching. Move slowly, about one full circle every two seconds.
Do 5 to 10 circles in one direction, then reverse and do the same number the other way. Keep both directions even.
Lower the bell to your chest and set it down. If the bell wobbled or your back arched, drop to a lighter weight next round.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep your grip relaxed so the bell can roll in your hands instead of fighting you.
Breathe steadily through each circle rather than holding your breath.
Do not shrug your shoulders up toward your ears, keep them pulled down and back.
Stop the set as soon as your form gets sloppy, since tired shoulders make the circle messy.
Questions
How heavy should the kettlebell be for halos?
Most people start with 4 to 8 kg. Use a weight you can circle smoothly for 10 slow reps without your back arching.
What muscles does the kettlebell halo work?
It mainly loads the shoulders, upper back and arms, while your core works to keep your trunk still. It is often used as a warm-up rather than a strength lift.
How many halo reps should I do?
Two or three sets of 8 to 10 circles in each direction is plenty as a warm-up. Add reps or weight slowly once the movement feels easy.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
