Kettlebell training can do a lot for your wellness, but how do you get started? We’ve got some kick-ass kettlebell moves to help you incorporate kettlebells into your fitness routine. To ensure you look after your wellbeing, we recommend aiming for three to five sets of 10-30 reps with good form (unless we specify otherwise) – and it might be a good idea to start with a trainer or kettlebell aficionado!
1. Two-Handed Kettlebell Swing Targets: This move works your shoulders, back, hips, glutes, and legs. According to fitness expert Laura Schwecherl, ‘This exercise is all the kettlebell rage! Stand up straight, with feet a bit wider than hip-distance apart. Grab hold of the handle with both hands, keeping the palms face down and arms in front of the body. Maintain a slight bend to the knee and drive the hips back, lowering the body — but not too low, this isn’t a squat! Then, in a fluid motion, explosively drive the hips forward while swinging the kettlebell, keeping the glutes and core engaged. Remember: The motion should come from the hips (not the arms!) as the body returns to standing. Lower the weight back down between the legs while lowering again, and keep this swinging motion going for 12-15 reps.’
2. One-Handed Kettlebell Swing Targets: Like the two-handed swing target, the one-handed swing target works your shoulders, back, hips, glutes, and legs – but it’s more of a beginner-intermediate move than just for beginners. Schwecherl notes, ‘This movement is the same as the two-handed swing, except using only one hand at a time! Swing the kettlebell up with one arm, but still swing the other arm to help drive momentum. Alternate hands when the kettlebell is behind the legs; aim for 10-12 reps with each arm.’
3. Two-Arm Kettlebell Row Targets: Again, this move is beginner-intermediate and targets your back, arms and shoulders. ‘Grab two kettlebells for this one,’ Schwecherl instructs. ‘Place them in front of the feet and bend the knees slightly. Next, bend over to grab both kettlebells and pull them towards the stomach, keeping the elbows close to the body and the back straight. Lower the weights [and] repeat for 12-15 reps max.’
4. Kettlebell Figure-8 Targets: This move is more for the intermediate kettlebellers, and works your arms, back and abs. Schwecherl outlines, ‘Start with legs a bit wider than hip-width distance apart, and lower yourself into a quarter-squat position. (Keep that back straight and chest up!) Grab the kettlebell with the left hand and swing it around the outside of the left leg and then back between the legs. Next, pass the kettlebell to the right hand and swing it around the outside of the right leg. Keep this motion going, similar to the classic basketball drill! Can you do a minute straight? (Be sure to switch directions half-way through!)’
5. Kettlebell High Pull Targets: If you want to work your shoulders, arms, glutes and legs, this is the move for you. ‘Turn those toes out 45 degrees with feet a bit wider than shoulder-width apart,’ says Schwecherl. ‘Place the kettlebell on the ground between both legs and begin to squat while keeping the core engaged, and grip the kettlebell handle with one hand. Then, using force from the hips, push through the heels to rise to standing, pulling the kettlebell upwards while the elbow drives up. Lower back down and switch arms. Shoot for 10-12 for each arm.’
6. Kettlebell Front Squat Targets: This move targets your legs, glutes and back. Schwecherl details, ‘Stand up straight, holding the kettlebell in front of the chest with both hands, keeping the elbows close to the body. Start squatting by driving the heels into the ground and pushing the hips back until the thighs are parallel to the ground or just below. Return to standing, and repeat for 15-20 reps (or more!)’