The kettlebell, often hailed as the ultimate total body workout tool, is a versatile and straightforward piece of equipment. It enhances cardiovascular endurance, and boosts power, making it a game-changer for your fitness routine. Kettlebell exercises engage numerous muscles simultaneously, providing a comprehensive full-body workout. Proper technique and control are crucial, but when executed correctly, kettlebell training enhances endurance, stamina, and strength. Coordinating movements with the kettlebell’s unique design—where the majority of the weight is carried in the ball-shaped base and the handles, or “horns,” allow various gripping styles—adds an additional challenge. In this blog, we will look at 10 best kettlebell exercises for full body workout.
10 Best Kettlebell Exercises for Full Body Workout
Russian Kettlebell Swing Exercises
The kettlebell swing is a fundamental exercise that targets the hips, glutes, hamstrings, and lower back. It involves a powerful hip hinge motion, propelling the kettlebell forward and upward, followed by a controlled return to the starting position.
Begin by standing with your feet hip-distance apart, maintaining a slight bend in your knees. Engage your core and ensure your back stays flat during the entire exercise. Hold the kettlebell with both hands using an overhand grip, allowing it to hang between your thighs with your arms extended and active. Initiate the movement by hiking the kettlebell through your legs using a powerful hinge, followed by an explosive drive to propel it forward.
Goblet Squat Kettlebell Exercise
The goblet squat is an excellent lower body exercise that focuses on the quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Holding the kettlebell close to the chest, perform a deep squat with proper form, engaging the core for stability. This compound movement also enhances mobility in the hips and ankles, making it an ideal choice for building leg strength.
Farmers Carry Kettlebell Exercises
This deceptively simple yet highly effective exercise demands significant core stabilization and activation for mastery.
Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, gripping the kettlebell securely outside your hip. Maintain a braced midsection and an upright posture as you move with control. When appropriate, switch sides to ensure balanced engagement. The weighted walk engages various muscle groups, making it an excellent choice for a comprehensive full-body workout.
Kettlebell Clean and Press Exercises
The Kettlebell Clean and Press is a dynamic two-part exercise that focuses on the shoulders, upper back, and arms. Start by cleaning the kettlebell from a deadlift position to the rack position. Then, press the kettlebell overhead, engaging both the core and shoulders. This powerful combination of movements enhances overall strength and power, delivering a highly effective full-body workout.
Kettlebell Step Ups
Kettlebell step-ups are a highly effective exercise, targeting the lower body and core, whether performed in a gym or using a park bench. For added challenge, hold a kettlebell in each hand.
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and place one foot on a sturdy surface or box, aligning the knee with or slightly above the hip crease. Hold the kettlebell outside the hip and place the other foot close to the box on the ground. Drive up through the heel, extending to the top. Lower down with control and repeat. You can alternate the sides as well. This exercise strengthens various muscle groups while enhancing balance and stability.
Turkish Get-Up Kettlebell Exercises
The Turkish get-up is a complex yet highly beneficial exercise that targets the entire body, with a particular focus on core stability. Starting from a lying position, the kettlebell is maneuvered through a series of movements to a standing position and then reversed back down to the starting position. This exercise enhances shoulder stability, hip mobility, and overall body strength.
Lie on your back, holding a kettlebell overhead with one arm. Bend one knee and roll onto your side. Push yourself into a seated position and stand up while keeping the kettlebell extended. Reverse the movement to return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
Halos
This exercise targets shoulder strength and mobility while also engaging core stabilization and activation.
Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the kettlebell upside down by the horns at chest height with elbows close to the ribcage. Trace the base of your neck with the kettlebell, turning it 180 degrees, maintaining close proximity throughout. Keep your neck stationary, chin up, and engage your core. Alternate directions with each repetition for a comprehensive workout.
Rack Squat Kettlebell Exercise
The front rack position with a kettlebell is a useful technique for various exercises. Ensure your wrist is straight, strong, and locked out, and keep your elbow down and tucked into your ribs, avoiding flaring it to the side.
Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, holding the kettlebell in rack position. Keep your elbows down, shoulders locked, and core braced as you perform a full range of motion squat, aiming to go parallel or below while maintaining proper knee alignment. Press the floor to stand tall and repeat. Alternate sides for a balanced workout.
Single Arm Suitcase Deadlift
Consider the numerous instances where you need to carry something with one arm, such as a bag of groceries or a suitcase.
Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, gripping the kettlebell outside your hip. Maintain proper posture with shoulders back and down, and hinge your hips back while keeping your back flat. Lower the weight to the ground outside your heel, bracing your midsection and setting your back. To stand tall, press through your heels, raising your hips and shoulders simultaneously while holding the kettlebell. Remember to switch sides as needed for a balanced workout.
Strict Press
The overhead strict press is a highly effective kettlebell exercise for building arm strength while engaging the entire body. Ensure proper posture and core activation throughout the movement.
Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, holding the kettlebell in the racked position. Brace your core and squeeze your glutes as you press the weight overhead. Align your bicep with your ear and fully extend your elbow at the top. Lower the weight back to the rack position with control and repeat. Complete the movement on the opposite side when finished for a balanced workout. Focus on maintaining stability and form during the exercise.