The Incredible Benefits of Kettlebell Workouts

Are you bored of your monotonous workout routine? Perhaps if you are working out with the same equipment repeatedly. If you want to spice up your fitness routine, you just must give kettlebells a shot. These iron cannonballs with handles offer a versatile training tool that can revitalize your fitness routine. Beyond their compact size is a treasure trove of perks waiting to be unlocked.

From building endurance to enhancing strength and flexibility, kettlebell workouts provide a comprehensive approach to overall physical health. If you are interested in learning more about the amazing benefits of kettlebell workouts, this article is the best place to begin!

Keep on reading to learn about the benefits of kettlebell workouts, and get on with a fitter you.

What Is a Kettlebell?

A kettlebell is a cannon-shaped exercise tool with a smooth handle on top. These are mostly used for cardio and strength training exercises like kettlebell swings and get-ups. They have been around since the 19th century but have gained immense popularity recently due to various benefits.

The unique design of the kettlebell allows a wide range of dynamic and fluid movements. Originating in Russia, kettlebell training has gained immense popularity all over the globe. Whether used for squats, presses, snatches, or swings, the benefits of kettlebell workouts are far and varied.

What Do Kettlebells Do for Your Body?

Kettlebells have gained immense popularity among fitness enthusiasts due to their exceptional benefits. Earlier, they were used by athletes and bodybuilders in fitness shows to exude dominance. What the kettlebells do for your body is pretty interesting.

Compared to other exercises focusing on specific muscle groups, kettlebells can engage your entire body as they target up to 600 muscles at a time (1). For instance, doing a kettlebell swing can target muscles in the entire body during the movement.

Also, when you hold a kettlebell, it can influence you to maintain proper form, such as engaging your core and keeping an upright torso to accommodate the weight in front of you. This may help to improve your posture.

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What Are 5 Benefits of Kettlebell Training?

If you are skeptical about using kettlebells, consider the following top-notch benefits of kettlebell workouts:

Great Low-Impact Cardio

If running isn’t your type, consider kettlebells. The*y may even be more effective than running or jogging, depending on the intensity, volume, weight, and duration you work with. Kettlebell swings can be more intense as compared to running, which means you can witness the results faster. Doing kettlebell workouts increases our heart rate, which can also lead to significant calorie burn.

Since these workouts require quick and deliberate muscle exertion, they can increase our heart rate and burn more calories than other cardio workouts. That can also boost our metabolism, increase muscle endurance, and improve cardiovascular health (2).

May Improve Balance and Coordination

The benefits of kettlebell workouts are not just limited to fat loss. Working out with kettlebells may also help improve your balance and coordination as you are more focused on swinging them around and side by side your body (3). You practice significant mind-body coordination as you swing them high above your head and between your legs.

Compared to some barbell workouts where you do linear movements, kettlebell movements can be more dynamic, helping increase your range of motion. Also, it’s important that proper form is maintained and the kettlebell’s weight is appropriate for your current ability to allow for progress.

The benefits of the kettlebell swing, Turkish get-ups, windmills, and arm bars include increased mobility, stability, and strength (4). This, in turn, can help improve your postural reactions, such as tripping and falling over.

May Strengthen Your Core

Kettlebells are not just limited to cardio. They are also excellent strength training tools. Many Kettlebell workouts can be a type of ballistic training that focuses on maximizing acceleration and minimizing deceleration. This is done through contracting your core and doing coordinated breathing.

Kettlebell for core workouts like Russian Twists or Turkish Get-ups actively engages your core and helps you build a strong core in no time (2). Also, these exercises are multi-planar as you work your core from all directions. This impressively helps build your total core strength compared to traditional crunches and leg raises.

Due to these reasons, many athletes train with kettlebells as they have to do various twists and turns rapidly. Working out with kettlebells helps them build fantastic core strength and may prevent muscular injuries.

May Improve Grip

Kettlebells have a small handle and heavy weight, which puts pressure on our hands and arms. Working out with kettlebells requires immense grip strength as the individual has to swing the ball in all directions.

When you work out with kettlebells regularly, you may notice a dramatic increase in your grip strength Research reveals that grip strength is a good indicator of overall health and quality of life (5). This is particularly important as we age since our muscles weaken with age, and this affects our grip.

May Build Full Body Strength

One of the best benefits of kettlebell workouts is that it targets the entire body. From head to toe, kettlebell movements can engage key muscle group in your body, helping you build muscular strength. They are also considered a good variation to your regular workout routine, where you use barbells and dumbbells.

Also, since many people are training with dumbbells, you can use the relatively empty space around kettlebell racks to do your workout without any distractions. A study reveals that swinging a 17-pound kettlebell can yield similar results in terms of force and reaction as performing 52-pound deadlifts with kettlebells (6).

What Happens If You Do Kettlebell Every Day?

Doing kettlebell workouts, such as a kettlebell swing daily, could help you build muscle strength and endurance and improve your coordination (7).

A kettlebell swing helps you build stamina and balance. It can be done with one or two hands. The benefits of hamstring and kettlebell swing workouts are:

Helps Build Lower Body Strength

The Kettlebell swing workout focuses on your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. These muscles help you hinge forward and back when performing the swing. Doing this exercise might help you to build impressive lower back strength (7).

May Increase Power and Endurance

Kettlebell swings are also effective at building speed and power. That said, many athletes perform this exercise to increase their motion and jump height. A study reveals that doing kettlebell swings builds explosive strength in just six weeks due to their quick motion (9).

Helps Burn Calories

Since kettlebell workouts can be a form of cardio, they can help burn fat . Performing kettlebell swings daily amps your heart rate and may help you burn more calories, which can contribute to fat loss. .

Lastly, kettlebells can be  effective at preventing injuries and helping you recover from previous injuries. Since some  exercises do not put extra stress on your joints, they may help you regain your strength and endurance. They are also included in post-injury rehabilitation programs to help you get back on track.

Read more: What Do Kettlebell Swings Work Out?

Are Kettlebells Good for Losing Belly Fat?

Kettlebells are the best workouts for losing belly fat as they incorporate cardio and strength training. Let’s look at the 8 kettlebell exercises to lose belly fat fast:

Kettlebell Squat

Squats are fundamental when curating a workout routine! Adding kettlebells to your squats may reap great results. Here is how to perform a squat with a kettlebell.

1. Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Position your toes slightly outward.
2. Hold the kettlebell with both hands, allowing it to hang down in front of your body.
3. Engage your core muscles and keep your back straight.
4. Initiate the squat by bending at your hips and knees simultaneously.
5. As you lower your body, keep your chest up and maintain a neutral spine. Ensure that your knees track in line with your toes.
6. Descend until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly below, depending on your mobility and comfort level.
7. Pause briefly at the bottom of the squat, then push through the ground with your whole foot and engage your leg and glute muscles to rise back up to the starting position.
8. Do this exercise for 7-8 reps daily.

It is important to note that you must start with a lighter kettlebell if you are new to kettlebell workouts. Gradually increase the weight as you become more comfortable and proficient with the workouts.

Kettlebell Goblet Squat

Kettlebell Goblet Squat is a variation to the traditional squat. To do a Kettlebell Goblet Squat,

1. Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
2. Hold a kettlebell with both hands by the sides of the handle, close to your chest.
3. Lower your body down into a squat position by bending your hips and knees.
4. As you squat down, make sure your knees track in line with your toes.
5. Descend until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
6. Pause briefly at the bottom of the squat.
7. Push through your whole foot , engage your leg and glute muscles to rise back up to the starting position.
8. Exhale as you extend your legs and return to standing position.

Kettlebell Clean and Press

Kettlebell Clean and Press comes under CrossFit kettlebell training program and is slightly harder. To perform a kettlebell clean and press:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Place a kettlebell on the floor between your feet.
3. Hinge at your hips and bend your knees to reach down and grab the kettlebell handle with one hand.
4. Keep your arm straight as you prepare to lift the kettlebell.
5. In one smooth motion, rapidly extend your hips, knees, and ankles while pulling the kettlebell up close to your body.
6. As the kettlebell rises, tuck your elbow in and bring it to your side.
7. As the kettlebell reaches chest height, rotate your hand around the handle, allowing it to rest on the back of your forearm and shoulder. Your palm should be facing inward, and your forearm should be vertical.
8. Exhale and press the kettlebell overhead by extending your arm while maintaining a stable core.
9. Lock your arm out overhead, making sure your wrist is straight and the kettlebell is balanced over your shoulder and wrist.
10. Lower the kettlebell back down by bending your elbow and guiding it back to your shoulder.
11. Return the kettlebell to the starting position by lowering it down to the ground in a controlled manner.
12. Repeat the exercise for 7-8 reps.

Kettlebell Overhead Press

The Kettlebell Overhead Press is a strength training exercise that targets muscles in the upper body, particularly triceps, shoulders, and core. To do the Kettlebell Overhead Press:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a kettlebell in one hand.
2. Start with the kettlebell at shoulder height, with your elbow bent and the weight resting against the back of your forearm.
3. Press the kettlebell overhead by extending your arm while keeping your wrist straight. Exhale as you press the weight up.
4. Fully extend your arm until it is straight overhead, making sure the kettlebell is balanced directly above your shoulder and wrist.
5. Pause briefly at the top, ensuring your arm is fully extended and the kettlebell is stable.
6. Lower the kettlebell back down to the starting position by bending your elbow and guiding it back to your shoulder.

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Kettlebell Lunge

The Kettlebell Lunge is a variation of the traditional lunge exercise that involves using kettlebells. This exercise is also quite popular, like squats. Here is how you can do lunges with kettlebells:

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Hold a kettlebell with both hands, allowing it to hang down in front of your body, or in one hand by your side.
2. Take a step forward with one leg, making sure to maintain your balance. This will be your starting position.
3. Lower your body down by bending both knees. The goal is to have both knees at a 90-degree angle, with your front knee directly above your ankle and your back knee hovering just above the ground.
4. Pause briefly in the lunge position, maintaining stability and control.
5. Push through your front heel and engage your leg muscles to return to the starting position.
6. Repeat the movement with the other leg by taking a step forward and performing a lunge.
7. Continue alternating legs for about 5-6 reps on each side.

Turkish Get-up

The Turkish Get-Up is a full-body exercise that involves transitioning from lying down to standing while holding a kettlebell or dumbbell. To perform a Turkish Get Up:

1. Start by lying on your back on the ground with a kettlebell next to your shoulder on the same side.
2. Bend your knee on that side and place your foot flat on the ground.
3. Begin the movement by gripping the kettlebell handle with both hands and rolling onto your side.
4. Use your free arm to support your body as you transition onto your forearm on the same side.
5. From the forearm position, push through your bent leg and straighten it, lifting your hips off the ground.
6. Continue to press up into a kneeling position with your chest lifted and your core engaged.
7. From the kneeling position, drive your hips forward and stand up, keeping the kettlebell overhead with your arm fully extended.
8. Reverse the movement to return to the starting position.
9. Repeat the exercise on the other side by switching the kettlebell to the opposite hand and following the same steps.

Kettlebell Half Get-up

The Kettlebell Half Get-up is a modified version of the full Turkish Get-Up. To perform the Kettlebell Half Get-up:

1. Start by lying on your back on the ground with a kettlebell next to your shoulder on the same side.
2. Bend your knee on that side and place your foot flat on the ground.
3. Begin the movement by gripping the kettlebell handle with one hand and rolling onto your side.
4. Use your free arm to support your body as you transition onto your forearm on the same side.
5. From the forearm position, press through your bent leg and straighten it, lifting your hips off the ground.
6. From this position, lift your torso up into a seated position by pushing off your forearm. Keep your core engaged and maintain a strong posture.
7. Pause briefly in the seated position, then lower yourself back down to the starting position in a controlled manner.

Kettlebell Swing

The Kettlebell Swing is a dynamic, full-body exercise that primarily targets the posterior chain muscles, including hamstrings, lower back, and glutes. Here is how to perform these super-effective Kettlebell Swings:

1. Stand with your hips and feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Hold a kettlebell with both hands in front of you.
3. Inhale, hinge at your hips, and bring the kettlebell between your legs.
4. Exhale and drive your hips forward to propel the kettlebell up to around chest level.
5. Contract your core and keep your back straight.
6. Repeat this exercise daily to reap results.

The kettlebell swing is a dynamic and challenging exercise. So, it is advisable to learn proper form from a qualified fitness professional to maximize effectiveness and reduce the risk of injury.

Read more: Kettlebell Back Workout That Will Put Your Muscles Through The Wringer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is 20 minutes of kettlebells enough?

Kettlebell exercises offer the benefits of full body kettlebell workout. Doing 20 minutes of kettlebell workout daily is enough to burn over 100 calories. Since kettlebells can offer similar benefits to cardio and strength training, doing them daily reaps effective results.

Are kettlebells better than the gym?

Kettlebells are perfect for individuals looking to work out at home. Kettlebells can replicate dumbbell movements but can be more effective for some individuals due to their weight and grip handle. Working out with kettlebells can increase grip strength, build muscle endurance, and burn calories.

How do kettlebells change your physique?

Kettlebells can help build lean muscle mass. This improves your physique and gives you a muscular look. You can also lose significant fat and appear more toned up than before.

Do kettlebells really burn fat?

The benefits of a 7-minute kettlebell workout include fat loss. Doing kettlebell exercises like kettlebell swings or Turkish get-ups burns belly fat and helps you lose weight fast.

The Bottom Line

Given the impressive benefits of kettlebell workouts, you must incorporate kettlebells in your daily workout routine. This is an exercise that engages core muscles in a unique way. The unstable nature of kettlebells demands core stabilization through exercise, leading to core strength, better posture, and overall body stability.

Kettlebell exercises can be modified to accommodate different fitness levels, making them suitable for beginners and experienced athletes alike. Furthermore, kettlebells take up minimal space, making them perfect for home workouts and busy workplaces.