Why kettlebells?

I love training with kettlebells. So much so that I’ve invested thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours of training into getting one of the most reputable kettlebell certifications out there. Now, I don’t train solely with kettlebells, simply because I have access to and enjoy using other training tools. But I could if I had to or wanted to, and you could, too! Even if you’re not ready to go all-in on kettlebells, you may want to at least learn how to train with them. Think of them as another tool in your toolbox.

So what makes kettlebells different? I’m glad you asked …

Efficiency. Kettlebells are highly efficient tools as far as “bang for your buck,” in that you can complete an effective training session and check a lot of training boxes in a short amount of time with just one tool.

Power. Kettlebells are a great way to train power output through ballistic movements like swings, cleans and snatches.

Strength. Just like other free weights (dumbbells and barbells) or machines, kettlebells can be used to build strength through strict or “grind” movements like deadlifts, squats, presses, rows, etc.

Conditioning. By increasing volume and decreasing rest time, you can use kettlebells to train cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Hate running? Try doing 10 kettlebell swings every 30 seconds for 10 minutes. Whew.

Stability and coordination. The kettlebell’s center of gravity is about 6-8” from your grip, meaning you need to control the center of gravity to get the bell where you want it to go or stabilize it somewhere. If you’ve ever played around with bottoms-up kettlebell holds or movements, you know how challenging this can be!

Easy to hold. Dumbbells tend to get a lot more difficult to hold the heavier you go, whereas kettlebells can be easier to grip in a suitcase hold because the bell is directly beneath the handle and easier to hold in a front rack because they can nestle on your forearms.

Compact. Kettlebells don’t take up nearly as much space as barbells, so if you’re training in a small space or looking to acquire a serious home gym without a ton of room, kettlebells may be the answer.

Fun! Kettlebells can be intimidating at first, but just like with anything, the more you practice, the more comfortable you get. Maybe I’m a little biased here, but once kettlebell movements start to click, they can be super fun.

Ready to learn or get more comfortable with kettlebells? Let’s train!