Get Fit with One Kettlebell: A Complete Full Body Workout

Photo by Juu00e7anu00e3 Girardi Maximiliano on Pexels.com

Are you looking for an effective and efficient full body workout that can help you build strength, improve endurance, and burn calories?

Look no further than kettlebell training.

This dynamic form of exercise incorporates both cardiovascular and resistance training, making it the perfect choice for those with limited time to hit the gym.

I fell in love with kettlebells with my first kettlebell workout.

I love that with just one kettlebell, you can achieve a complete full body workout that’ll leave you feeling stronger, fitter, and more energized than ever before.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, incorporating a kettlebell into your routine can be a game changer.

Today I’m sharing a complete full body workout using just one kettlebell. This is a workout I do regularly. It takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on how long your breaks take.

How to pick a kettlebell

When it comes to choosing a kettlebell for your full-body workout, there are two main types to consider: competition and hardstyle.

competition kettlebells (photo by me)

Competition kettlebells are designed to be used in official competitions. They have a uniform size and shape, which allows for consistent movements during competitions.

On the other hand, hardstyle kettlebells are designed for strength and conditioning training. They come in various sizes and weights, making them suitable for all fitness levels. Unlike competition kettlebells, they have a smaller handle which allows for a comfortable and secure grip during exercises.

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Ultimately, the type of kettlebell you choose will depend on your fitness goals and preferences. Both types can provide an effective full body workout.

It’s important to try out different options and see which one feels best for you before making a decision.

Picking The Right Weight For You

It’s important to select a weight that challenges you, but also allows you to maintain proper form and technique throughout your exercises.

If the weight is too heavy, it can lead to injuries and improper form, while a weight that is too light may not provide enough resistance for desired muscle growth.

It’s recommended to start with a lighter weight and gradually increase as you become more comfortable with the movements and feel confident in maintaining proper form.

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when choosing your kettlebell weight—starting lighter and gradually increasing will ultimately lead to a safer and more effective workout experience.

If you’re a woman and you’re just starting out, consider starting with 6 or 8 kg (15-20 lbs.). I generally do the below workout with a 10 kg (22 lbs.) competition kettlebell.

Why Kettlebell Training Is So Amazing For You

Kettlebell training is a fantastic and efficient way to achieve a full-body workout. This versatile piece of equipment allows for a wide range of exercises that target multiple muscle groups at once, making it an excellent choice for those looking to tone and strengthen their entire body.

Not only does it provide cardiovascular benefits, but the dynamic movements required in kettlebell training also improve balance, coordination, and flexibility.

The unique shape and weight distribution of the kettlebell challenge your core muscles with every movement, helping you develop a strong and stable core.

Additionally, not only can anyone benefit from this type of training regardless of their fitness level, but it’s also time-efficient as you can get a complete workout in just 20-30 minutes.

So grab your kettlebell and get ready to sweat it out!

Warm-up

If you’re just starting out with kettlebells, or are short on time, you can do just the warm-up.

Downward dog to upward dog

Once you have a handle of these, do them faster but still with good form. Do 10-15 of these.

Inchworms to push-up

Do 10 of these. If you can’t do a full push up, do them on your knees.

Kettlebell around the world

Do 10 in each direction

Kettlebell halo

Keep your core engaged. Do 10 to each side.

Kettlebell goodmornings

Do 10-20 reps

Kettlebell windmill

Do 5 on each side

Kettlebell swing

Do 15 swings

Workout

Do these in a circuit for 3 rounds

  1. Kettlebell swings 30x
  2. Kettlebell goblet squat to overhead press 20x
  3. Kettlebell deadlift 20x

Minimal to no rest between exercises, if possible. But make sure to listen to your body and rest if and when needed.

Rest 2 minutes between each round.

It’s important to master the kettlebell swing. Here’s another instructional video:

Goblet squat to overhead press instructions:

Deadlift instructions:

Finishers

These are optional, but highly recommended.

Turkish get up

Do 2-4 of these on each side.

Only do Turkish get ups with a kettlebell if you’ve done them before (ideally with a trainer).

Here’s a video with instructions:

If you’ve never done a Turkish get up, try it with bodyweight instead:

Do 5 of these on each side

The Turkish get up is a phenomenal full body exercise, but is tricky to master at first due to its complexity.

Practice doing it without an added weight for a while. Once you get used to the exercise, you can try it with a light weight or a water bottle.

Kettlebell sit and press

Brace the core. Do 10-15

Cool-down

Cat cow

Do several slowly for about a minute or so

Child’s pose with stretch

Standing wide-legged forward bend

Hold for a few deep breaths or about 30 seconds.

Congratulations! You did it! Workout completed. Hope you enjoyed that.

Conclusion

Incorporating a kettlebell into your workout routine is a fantastic way to achieve a complete full body workout.

With just one kettlebell, you can effectively target multiple muscle groups and improve your overall strength and fitness.

By following the tips on how to pick the right kettlebell and using the suggested full body workout circuit with a warm-up and cool-down, you can maximize the benefits of this versatile equipment.

Don’t be afraid to mix things up and try different exercises with your kettlebell for added variety.

Remember to always listen to your body, stay hydrated, and have fun while getting fit with your trusty kettlebell!

Keep challenging yourself, stay consistent, and watch as you become stronger and healthier every day.

Happy lifting!

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About Me

Hi, I’m Ula!

I’m a health and movement coach specializing in sleep and stress management. I support conscious work with the body and mind through movement, deep health, meditation and calming support practices.