Along with the Kettlebell Swing the Kettlebell Turkish Get Up delivers huge results. The Turkish Get Up, Turkish Stand Up or Kettlebell Stand Up is very different from the Swing in that it focuses on your small stabilising muscles and develops a solid movement foundation.
During human development we earn our right to progress onto more demanding movements. Babies learn to roll before they can crawl, and crawl before they can walk.
In today’s society of quick fixes we are all too impatient and don’t want to earn our movement skills anymore. Beginners often advance too quickly and end up injuring themselves.
The Kettlebell Turkish Getup will not let you progress too quickly. It will stop you in your tracks. If you have a weak core, poor mobility or weak stabilising muscles then you won’t be able to complete the movement.
OK, it’s time to see what you are made of and to earn your right to move like an athlete.
Quick video of the Kettlebell Turkish Get Up:
8 Benefits of Kettlebell Turkish Get Ups
1 – Shoulder protection & rehabilitation
The shoulder joint is a very vulnerable area of the body, it has to be both mobile and strong. In order to keep the shoulder stable and in the correct position it has small stabilising muscles. The small stabilising muscles are often neglected in favour of the larger better looking prime mover muscles called the deltoids.
The Kettlebell Turkish Getup helps develop the small stabilising muscles ensuring that the larger shoulder muscle have a solid platform to work from. Failure to develop the shoulders in the correct order of stabilisers first and larger prime movers second is one of the most common reasons for shoulder injury.
“The TGU strengthens muscles that stabilize the scapula in an optimal position. The trapezius, rhomboids, and serratus anterior must be simultaneously activated to pull the scapula into a position of depression and downward rotation.” (Jones & Ayash 2012)
2 – Develop a functional core
Each hip joint is connected to the opposite shoulder via a muscular sling system that crosses the body. Get Ups develop this cross body sling system and so naturally improves your rotational strength for racket sports, running and more.
“Core stability is believed to be critical for injury prevention and the transfer of power throughout the kinetic chain during movement. During the TGU, the core is challenged to resist spinal rotation, flexion/extension, and side bending.” (Ayash & Jones)
3 – Safeguard against back pain
Turkish Get Ups are great for mobilising the hips and upper back. Flexibility in the hips and upper back ensures that the lower back does not have to rotate excessively protecting it against potential back issues.
The added core conditioning that you receive from the Turkish Getup also ensure that the lower back is better stabilised during movement.
4 – Improve posture
As you progress through the Turkish Getup you realise that alignment is very important. In fact, completing Get Ups without good body alignment is very difficult. If your posture is not as good as it should be the Get Up will certainly highlight that and put your body into a better position.
5 – Full body integration
When performing the Turkish get up muscles are worked throughout the entire body. The real beauty of this exercise is that every muscle has to work with each other in order to complete the full movement.
The Getup is complex. It requires constant cross overs between the left and right side. Stabilising muscles have to hold tight as larger prime mover muscles work in sync with them. Joints must also be supple enough to put the body in the correct alignment throughout the movement.
6 – Assessment tool
We all have movement issues whether it is lacking adequate movement through the joints, weak core muscles, dominate large prime mover muscles, poor balance, or bad proprioception.
Get Ups will quickly highlight your problems and help you to overcome them. I frequently use the Turkish Getup as an assessment tool with clients to see an instant snapshot of their current movement skills.
7 – Improve overhead confidence and strength
During Turkish Get Ups the kettlebell is constantly overhead. Developing stabilising strength and confidence through this movement will dramatically boost confidence for other kettlebell exercises like the Snatch.
As mentioned strong shoulder stabilising muscles are vital for shoulder health. Spending time developing the stabilising muscles through the Getup will provide a much healthier and stronger platform for your larger shoulder muscles. If you struggle to press heavy weights overhead then this is the exercise for you.
8 – Warm Up
Due to the huge amount of muscle engagement and mobility required to perform Turkish Get Ups this exercise works well as a warm up. A few Kettlebell Turkish Getups before each workout will prepare you nicely and also give you a quick snapshot of your daily health.
If you find the Get Ups warm up particularly difficult one day then you may want to reduce the amount of intended exercise for that workout.
How to do a Turkish Get Up
The Kettlebell Turkish Get Up Steps
Here’s how to do the Turkish get up step by step:
1 – Arm Extension
From the Fetal position roll onto your back and help the kettlebell into the straight arm position. Don’t take your eyes off the kettlebell. Rotate your arm until it sits nicely in the shoulder joint. Use the opposite hand to adjust the kettlebell position so it lays comfortably against the back of the forearm.
Step 1
Common Mistakes:
Bent wrist – keep the wrist straight, do not let it cock backwards
Shoulder not down in its socket – pull the shoulder down and into the floor
Arm not locked out – you’re stronger when your arm is locked out, straighten it
Bad arm alignment – make sure that the arm is at 90 degrees to the floor
2 – Knee Bend
Bend the leg on the same side as the kettlebell and place the opposite arm out at 45 degrees. Ensure the sole of the foot is in contact with the floor.
Step 2
Common Mistakes:
Foot position – keep the foot at hip width, not too wide or too narrow
Shallow bend – ensure you bend the knee adequately enough so you are not limited in the sit up
3 – Sit Up (Half Turkish Get Up)
Squeeze the handle tight as you sit up along the line of your arm, first to elbow and then to hand. Keep the kettlebell arm down with the shoulder in its socket and the opposite shoulder away from the ear.
Step 3
Common Mistakes:
Side rolling sit up – don’t roll to the side in order to sit up, sit up at an angle following the line of your arm
Standard sit up – don’t sit up straight towards your hips, sit up at an angle following the line of your arm
Relying on the arm – try to avoid overloading the arm as you sit up, as you get stronger you should barely use the arm
Jerking sit up – stay smooth as you sit up, don’t rock up and use momentum
Using the kettlebell – don’t lean the kettlebell forward to help pull you up
Raising the heel – keep your outstretched heel on the floor, failure to do so means you are overusing your hip flexors
Keep shoulder down – keep the kettlebell shoulder deep in its socket
Collapsing the chest – lift the ribcage and open up the chest, important for posture
Sinking bottom shoulder – create distance between the bottom shoulder and the ear
Assessment Indicators:
Failure to sit up smoothly without jerking or using the kettlebell will indicate a weakness in the core muscles. Practice the Single Leg Deadlift as well as this part of the movement without a kettlebell.
Problems sitting up tall without keeping the bottom leg straight could indicate tightness in the hamstrings. Work on hamstring flexibility if necessary.
4 – Hip Extension
Push from the heel of the bent leg and drive your hips in the air and into full hip extension. There should be a straight line from the kettlebell to the bottom hand. Create distance between the bottom shoulder and the ear and open up the chest. Squeeze the glutes tight.
Step 4
Common Mistakes:
Not fully extending the hips – push the hips up and squeeze the glutes tight
Raising the bottom heel – extension should come from the hips not the toes, keep the heel down
Arching lower back – don’t extend from the lower back push up through the hips, squeezing the glutes will help
Sinking bottom shoulder – keep the shoulder and ear as far apart as possible
Disconnecting upper shoulder – keep the top shoulder down and deep in its socket
Bad arm alignment – if there is not a straight line from the kettlebell to bottom hand you will find the weight very heavy
Assessment Indicators:
Failure to correctly extend the hips could be due to tightness through the hip flexors or quad (rectus femoris) if so mobilise and stretch them.
Failure to extend through the hips but through the lower back could be weak glutes. Practice Bridges and Single Leg Deadlifts.
5 – Sweep
Sweep the straight leg back and through to a half kneeling position. Try to bring the leg straight through rather than around in a semi circular movement. Keep your eyes focused on the kettlebell at all times. You will notice some nice rotational mobility here.
Step 5
Common Mistakes:
Don’t combine with step 6 – ensure you define this step without moving too quickly onto the next one
Not opening the hips – take the knee back as far back as possible, don’t cramp yourself up, create space
Lifting front heel – keep the heel down as you pull the leg through
Bad shoulders – as with earlier steps keep the bottom shoulder away from your ear and top packed down
Moving hand – keep the hand planted, it should not need to move, only sweep the leg
Assessment Indictors:
With this movement we are looking at the hips. Tight hips will prevent the sweep coming back through smoothly. Hip flexor stretchesand hip openers will help improve the movement if necessary.
6 – Half Kneeling
Taking the hand off the floor straighten the body by folding sideway at the waist. Take the eyes off the kettlebell and look forwards.
Step 6
Common Mistakes:
Arching the lower back – keep the glutes tight and hips forwards
Not folding sideways – pull yourself sideways hinging at the waist. Do not rotate into the upright position
Standing straight up – ensure you perform this step before standing up or you miss an important core exercise
Caving at the chest – look forwards and pull the ribcage up
Folding forwards at the hips – push the hips through with glutes tight, do not crease forwards and collapse the hips
Assessment Indicators:
Failure to fold at the waist and straighten sideways could be a core weakness. Practice the movement perfectly without a kettlebell to improve your strength.
Having difficulty kneeling tall with the hips through and chest raised could be tight hip flexors and/or weak glutes and/or weak core stabilisers.
7 – Standing
Drive from the front heel and stand. Steady yourself and then reverse the movement, step by step.
Step 7
Common Mistakes:
Not pulling from the heel – don’t push from the rear leg to stand, pull yourself up from the front
Forward leaning – often if your stance is too narrow then standing looks ugly, improve on your Sweep (step 5)
Floating shoulder – keep that kettlebell shoulder deep into its socket as you stand
Bending arm – stay strong and keep that top arm locked out
Assessment Indicators:
Fundamentally you are performing an overhead lunge from the bottom position during this movement. If you find this movement tricky then practice your deep lunges without a kettlebell and also the overhead warm up exercise.
The Get Ups Descent
As you reverse the movement take your time. You are basically performing the movement backwards. There is one exception with the descent, you do not perform the hip extension as shown in step 4.
A Full Kettlebell Turkish Get-Up should take at least 30 seconds to complete.
Once you reach step 2 you can either sit back up again and repeat the movement or you can take the kettlebell back to step 1 and to the floor. Beginners should certainly practice returning the kettlebell back to the floor and then changing arms and repeating.
Practicing and Progressing the Kettlebell Turkish Getup
As you can see the Turkish Get-Up is quite a complex movement but when you break it down it becomes a lot more manageable.
Here is how I suggest you practice and develop the movement:
Step 1 – Half Turkish Get Up without Kettlebell
As with all exercise, you should only load the body when you can perform the movement without a weight. Start by practicing the Turkish Getup from steps 1 – 3. You will finish at the the Sit up position and then return slowly back to step 1 again.
Practice on both sides until the movements from step 1 to 3 are very smooth. You will be getting a great core workout if you take your time and perform the movements correctly.
When you can perform 10 repetitions smoothly on each side move onto step 2 below.
Step 2 – Full Turkish Get Up without Kettlebell
Once you have mastered the half get up progress onto the full get up still without using a kettlebell. Keep the whole movement slow and controlled.
Practice the full movement holding a cup of water. When you can complete the Turkish Get Up without spilling any water, move onto the next step below.
Step 3 – Half Turkish Get-Up with Kettlebell
Similar to step 1 but this time you are going to use a kettlebell. You can start with whatever weight you feel comfortable with but usually Men start with a 12kg / 25lbs kettlebell and Women use an 8kg / 15lbs.
Watch my Half Turkish Get Up Tutorial:
If you find all this is too much then go back to the Naked variations above until you are ready.
When you can perform 5 smooth repetitions on each side without putting the kettlebell down in between reps move onto the Full Get Up below.
Step 4 – Full Turkish Get-Up with Kettlebell
Now you’re ready for the big time, the complete Turkish Get Up with a kettlebell. Perform just 1 repetition at a time and then put the kettlebell down and change sides.
Watch my Full Kettlebell Turkish Get Up Tutorial:
When to increase the kettlebell weight?
You will probably have a good feeling as to when it is time to increase the weight.
As a guide I usually find that when a client can perform 5 repetitions smoothly on both sides without unlocking the arm then it is time to start introducing the next weight.
6 Kettlebell Turkish Get Up Variations
1 – Reverse Get Up
The Reverse Get Up is much more practical than the Regular Get Up because it starts and finishes from the standing position. I like to use this Get Up variation with my clients and during my kettlebell classes because it is easier to flow from a standing exercise straight into the Get Up.
Watch my Reverse Kettlebell Turkish Get Up Tutorial:
2 – Alternating Swings
Once you have mastered the Reverse Turkish Get Up you can then add exercises at the top of the movement between each Get Up repetition.
Using alternating swings is a great way to not only add some cardio into the movement but also change hands and give the arms a rest.
Just as we added the alternating swings at the top of the movement you can also add the Windmill at the top too.
Using the windmill will add extra attention to the stabilising muscles of the shoulder but also work more into the hamstring flexibility and core muscles.
Ensure that you are strong at the Full Get Up before attempting this because your shoulders will have to work harder and for longer before getting a break.
I’m not usually one for making exercises overly complicated but I do like this advanced version of the Get Up.
When you get to step 4 of the Get Up stack one foot on top of the other as if performing a side plank. You will be performing a side plank on one hand and have a kettlebll in the other so balance and alignment is important.
Practice this variation without a kettlebell before trying it out loaded.
6 – Two Hands
Take your kettlebell Turkish Get Up to the next level by using 2 kettlebells one in each hand. The movement is slightly different because you sit up with both legs out in front of you and then swing one leg behind and underneath you in order to stand up.
Try this variation without kettlebells first to see just how much hip mobility and core strength you need.
Kettlebell Turkish Get Up Workout
1 – Ladder
For beginners I like to start with the Turkish Get Up ladder workout. The ladder workout moves through every step of the Get Up so it ensures that no part of the process is missed out.
You will find that by practicing this TGU workout you will quickly identify the areas of the Get Up that require further attention.
Here’s how it works:
Step 2 to Step 3 – 1 rep
Return to Step 2
Step 2 to Step 4 – 1 rep
Return to Step 2
Step 2 to Step 5 – 1 rep
Return to Step 2
Step 2 to Step 6 – 1 rep
Return to Step 2
Step 2 to Step 7 – 1 rep
Return to Step 2
Basically you are adding an extra step to the movement each round until you complete the full Turkish Get Up. Remember, the arm should never unlock and you should not put the kettlebell down between steps.
After you have climbed the ladder to the top you can change hands and repeat the same process on the other side.
If you want to take this Turkish get up workout to the next level then you can climb back down the ladder by removing one step at a time back to the beginning again.
2 – Swing and Get Up
It is a great idea to combine kettlebell training’s 2 finest exercises together into one workout. Practicing this workout will give you the best of both world’s, great cardio and fat burning from the swing and full body strengthening and conditioning from the Get Ups.
Here’s how it works:
Reverse Turkish Get Up Left – 1 rep
Two Handed Swings – 20 reps
Reverse Turkish Get Up Right – 1 rep
Two Handed Swing – 20 reps
Repeat 3 – 5 rounds
How many Turkish get ups should I do
I recommend that you work up to performing a total of 10 Turkish get ups per day, that’s 5 reps on each side.
Unlike other kettlebell exercises the Get Up can be performed most days providing the load is not consistently too heavy.
If you have a rest day but feel that you would like to do something more then practicing your Turkish Get Ups is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
The Turkish Get Up is such a beneficial exercise that everyone should be using it. You will not only protect your body from future injury by performing the Get Up but you will also improve your core strength and better your posture.
Practice the Get Up until is looks and feels effortless and it will pay you back tenfold.
FAQ
Can you get ripped with just kettlebells?
Yes, kettlebells are an excellent tool for both increasing muscle size and definition as well as burning fat and improving your cardio.
How do you hold a kettlebell in a Turkish get up?
The kettlebell is held with a locked out arm overhead during the entire Turkish get up exercise. Ensure the kettlebell rests comfortably against the wrist and forearm.
How many calories does 20 minutes of Kettlebells burn?
Based on an American Council on Exercise (ACE) study the average person can burn 400 calories in just 20 minutes with a kettlebell providing they use the correct exercises.
How’s your Turkish Get Up? Got questions? Let me know in the comments below…
Your KB circuits are great – been using them for over a year now. I have all of your workout plans, and agree that the TGU is probably the most all-encompassing exercise in kettlebells.
My question is how to build up strength to jump to the next major KB weight – I say ‘major’ because I don’t want to have to buy a whole bunch of weight increments.
I have a 16kg, 24kg, and 32kg (1pood, 1-1/2pood, 2pood). I’ve been doing the TGU with the 16kg for about 5 months, and have pretty much mastered it. (5 sets of each side, 5x week – I’m 57, btw.)
(Also, I worked up to the two-handed swing with the 32kg, then later dropped to 24kg but did it one-handed, and now can do one-handed swings with 24kg (sets 1,3,5) and 32kg (sets 2,4), doing 10-12 swings on each arm for one set. I’m working up to do 32kg for all 5 sets gradually.)
However, the jump to the 24kg for the TGU is significant – can I use a series of your exercises from the Muscle Building program to gradually build up my strength so I can eventually jump from the 16kg to 24kg for the TGU? What do you recommend?
Again, I don’t want to have to purchase an 18kg, 20kg, 22kg, etc., but would rather have a plan to incorporate other strength-building movements to get me ready to jump from 16kg to 24kg on the TGU.
What exercises in your portfolio do you recommend I do with my existing three KB’s to prepare for the 24kg TGU?
Great question Dwight, I’d start by practicing overhead holds with the 24kg. Work up to 60 seconds on each side. Once you can manage this comfortably you can then practice overhead lunges and the overhead warm up exercise along with the windmill. I’d also recommend you work on the half get up with the 24kg as well as the reverse half get up which will take you down to one hand on the floor then straighten back up and stand again. Take your time performing only a few reps each day.
You said a common mistake one makes when moving into half kneeling is:
“Not folding sideways – pull yourself sideways hinging at the waist. Do not rotate into the upright position.”
Hi Reilly, I checked out your video…unfortunately that weight is too heavy for you at this stage, you are making quite a few compromises with you technique just to get through the movement. Break everything down step by step with a lighter weight and you’ll become much stronger and improve your mobility too. Your first challenge is to sit up without your other leg raising from the floor, that is a strong sign of a weak core because your hip flexors are doing most of the work hence why your foot comes up. All the best.
Hi Greg, TGU is one of my favorite exercises to do with my clients. This is a fabulous article describing progressions and workouts! Thank you so much for this. I will certainly share it with clients and other trainers to spread the word about your products. Best Regards,
Kevin
Just wants to say thanks for this incredibly valuable information. This article along with last weeks on the swing are fantastic. Also thanks for all the free info on your website.
After many years of Kettlebels, weights etc I have gone right back to basics with light bells and am completely revitalising by work outs and my body as a result.
I am reading through the pdf of your “12 week advanced kettle program“. I am looking at the first day of week 2. For the Turkish get up, under the “Time (secs)” column it says ‘1 rep each’. Does this mean literally only one rep for each side of the body, and that completes that set? Or have I misunderstood? Thank you for clarifying.
Thanks for purchasing the program. Yes that’s right Joel, but remember that this is at the end of the circuit. You will complete the circuit a total of 3 times.
Thank you, Greg, for your solid advice on a plan to ‘jump’ from 16kg to 24kg on the TGU. I’ll start on the plan and post my results later.
Hi Greg-
Your KB circuits are great – been using them for over a year now. I have all of your workout plans, and agree that the TGU is probably the most all-encompassing exercise in kettlebells.
My question is how to build up strength to jump to the next major KB weight – I say ‘major’ because I don’t want to have to buy a whole bunch of weight increments.
I have a 16kg, 24kg, and 32kg (1pood, 1-1/2pood, 2pood). I’ve been doing the TGU with the 16kg for about 5 months, and have pretty much mastered it. (5 sets of each side, 5x week – I’m 57, btw.)
(Also, I worked up to the two-handed swing with the 32kg, then later dropped to 24kg but did it one-handed, and now can do one-handed swings with 24kg (sets 1,3,5) and 32kg (sets 2,4), doing 10-12 swings on each arm for one set. I’m working up to do 32kg for all 5 sets gradually.)
However, the jump to the 24kg for the TGU is significant – can I use a series of your exercises from the Muscle Building program to gradually build up my strength so I can eventually jump from the 16kg to 24kg for the TGU? What do you recommend?
Again, I don’t want to have to purchase an 18kg, 20kg, 22kg, etc., but would rather have a plan to incorporate other strength-building movements to get me ready to jump from 16kg to 24kg on the TGU.
What exercises in your portfolio do you recommend I do with my existing three KB’s to prepare for the 24kg TGU?
Thanks a bunch!
Great question Dwight, I’d start by practicing overhead holds with the 24kg. Work up to 60 seconds on each side. Once you can manage this comfortably you can then practice overhead lunges and the overhead warm up exercise along with the windmill. I’d also recommend you work on the half get up with the 24kg as well as the reverse half get up which will take you down to one hand on the floor then straighten back up and stand again. Take your time performing only a few reps each day.
Great , clear demo of the Turkish get up. Thank you. Thought I was half way fit until I tried it . Will keep working at it.
Hi Greg,
You said a common mistake one makes when moving into half kneeling is:
“Not folding sideways – pull yourself sideways hinging at the waist. Do not rotate into the upright position.”
Am I rotating, or am I pulling myself sideways?
https://youtu.be/cKwCNQeT4jo
Also, why do you discourage Step 4 hip extension on the descent?
Much gratitude for the great content.
-Reilly
Hi Reilly, I checked out your video…unfortunately that weight is too heavy for you at this stage, you are making quite a few compromises with you technique just to get through the movement. Break everything down step by step with a lighter weight and you’ll become much stronger and improve your mobility too. Your first challenge is to sit up without your other leg raising from the floor, that is a strong sign of a weak core because your hip flexors are doing most of the work hence why your foot comes up. All the best.
Hi Greg,
“Break everything down step by step with a lighter weight…” Will do.
Thank you very much,
Reilly
Hi Greg, TGU is one of my favorite exercises to do with my clients. This is a fabulous article describing progressions and workouts! Thank you so much for this. I will certainly share it with clients and other trainers to spread the word about your products. Best Regards,
Kevin
Thanks Kevin, pleased you liked it. Yes, I think it’s one exercise that needs to be used a lot more.
Hi Greg
Just wants to say thanks for this incredibly valuable information. This article along with last weeks on the swing are fantastic. Also thanks for all the free info on your website.
After many years of Kettlebels, weights etc I have gone right back to basics with light bells and am completely revitalising by work outs and my body as a result.
Cheers
Rob
My pleasure Rob, pleased the new approach to training is paying off. All the best.
Dear Mr. Brookes,
I am reading through the pdf of your “12 week advanced kettle program“. I am looking at the first day of week 2. For the Turkish get up, under the “Time (secs)” column it says ‘1 rep each’. Does this mean literally only one rep for each side of the body, and that completes that set? Or have I misunderstood? Thank you for clarifying.
-Joel
Thanks for purchasing the program. Yes that’s right Joel, but remember that this is at the end of the circuit. You will complete the circuit a total of 3 times.