Kettlebell workouts are a fantastic way to build strength, burn calories, and improve overall fitness. With just a kettlebell and a bit of space, you can get a full-body workout in a short amount of time. In this article, we’ll explore three kettlebell workouts: two 10-minute routines for those short on time and one 20-minute routine for a more intense session.
Workout 1: 10-Minute Full-Body Blast
Equipment Needed: One kettlebell (choose a weight that challenges you but allows proper form).
Movements:
- Kettlebell Swings (2 minutes): Start with your feet hip-width apart, holding the kettlebell with both hands between your legs. Bend your knees slightly, hinge at the hips, and swing the kettlebell up to chest height. Let it swing back down between your legs while keeping your core engaged. Repeat.
- Goblet Squats (2 minutes): Hold the kettlebell close to your chest with both hands. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and lower yourself into a squat position, keeping your back straight. Push through your heels to return to the standing position.
- Kettlebell Rows (2 minutes): Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the kettlebell in one hand. Bend at the hips, keeping your back straight, and let the kettlebell hang down. Pull the kettlebell towards your hip while squeezing your shoulder blade. Repeat on both sides.
- Russian Twists (2 minutes): Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet off the ground. Hold the kettlebell with both hands close to your chest. Lean back slightly and twist your torso to the right, touching the kettlebell to the ground. Return to the center and repeat on the left side.
- Kettlebell Deadlifts (2 minutes): Place the kettlebell on the floor between your feet. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and bend at the hips to grasp the kettlebell handle. Keep your back straight, push through your heels, and stand up straight while holding the kettlebell.
Workout 2: 10-Minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
Equipment Needed: One kettlebell (choose a weight that challenges you but allows proper form).
Movements:
This 10-minute HIIT kettlebell workout is designed to get your heart rate up while building strength.
- Kettlebell Swings (1 minute): Follow the same form as in Workout 1.
- Kettlebell Goblet Squats (1 minute): Similar to Workout 1, but do the squats more explosively for an added cardio element.
- Kettlebell Snatches (1 minute): Start with the kettlebell between your legs, then snatch it overhead in one powerful motion. Alternate arms each rep.
- Kettlebell Figure 8s (2 minutes): Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and pass the kettlebell between your legs in a figure-8 motion.
- Kettlebell Push Press (2 minutes): Hold the kettlebell at shoulder height, then press it overhead while bending your knees slightly. Alternate arms each rep.
- Kettlebell Russian Twists (2 minutes): Similar to Workout 1, but perform the twists faster for a cardio boost.
- Kettlebell Lunges (1 minute): Hold the kettlebell in one hand and lunge forward, alternating legs each rep.
Workout 3: 20-Minute Kettlebell Conditioning
Equipment Needed: One kettlebell (choose a weight that challenges you but allows proper form).
Movements:
This 20-minute kettlebell workout is designed for those who want a more extended, full-body conditioning session.
- Kettlebell Swings (3 minutes): Follow the same form as in Workout 1.
- Goblet Squats (3 minutes): Similar to Workout 1, perform controlled squats to engage your lower body.
- Kettlebell Rows (3 minutes): Alternate between right and left sides, focusing on form and control.
- Russian Twists (3 minutes): Engage your core as you perform this exercise for a longer duration.
- Kettlebell Deadlifts (3 minutes): Concentrate on your form and proper hip hinge technique.
- Kettlebell Snatches (2 minutes): Execute snatches with good form and explosiveness.
- Kettlebell Figure 8s (2 minutes): Keep a steady rhythm as you pass the kettlebell through the figure-8 motion.
- Kettlebell Push Press (2 minutes): Alternate arms and focus on shoulder strength.
- Kettlebell Lunges (1 minute): Finish strong with lunges for a final lower body burn.
Remember to warm up before starting any workout and cool down afterward. These kettlebell routines offer a versatile way to achieve a challenging workout, whether you have 10 minutes or 20. Stay consistent, focus on form, and enjoy the benefits of kettlebell training for improved strength and fitness.
You can find great training plans with Kettle Bells at The Hybrid Athlete. You can buy Kettlebells here at American Barbell.
Andrew has been a fitness enthusiast since high school where he was an all state athlete, competed in weight lifting competitions, and is in his weight rooms Hall of Fame. He played college football and later coached at his alma mater h.s. He continues to provide fitness content only transitioning from the gridiron to the web.