Ding ding ding we have a winner! The Kettlebell Workout

I have tried a lot of exercises over the years, and when it comes to strength training, I've tried just about everything! I am always looking for something new and challenging to change it up and give me results. Now, my favorite moves are those with Kettlebells-- a tool that helps shape and tone you all over! It's not only music to my ears-- but to my arms, legs, butt and core! Try some Kettlebell workouts and you'll be ringing in benefits in no time: total-body toning, increased cardiovascular fitness, core strengthening and improved posture and balance. 


Here are some of my favorite exercises with Kettlebells:

 

Chair row

A. Hold a kettlebell with both hands in front of thighs, palms facing you, and stand with feet together. Inhale, then exhale as you squat (kettlebell will be in front of knees).

B. Inhale as you raise kettlebell toward chin, bending your elbows out to the sides. Exhale as you lower the weight. Repeat, holding the squat the entire time.
Too tough? Place a rolled towel or small pillow between your thighs and lower into only a half squat position

Warrior Press

A. Hold a kettlebell with both hands in front of chest, elbows pointing down. Lunge forward with right leg until thigh is parallel to ground, and turn left foot out, shoulders and hips squared forward.

B. Inhale, then slowly exhale as you press kettlebell overhead. Inhale and lower weight.
Too tough? Bend front knee only slightly

  Squats

  A. Hold the sides of a kettlebell handle with both hands in front of chest, elbows bent and palms facing each other. Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulders, toes pointing out and knees slightly bent.

B. Squat until thighs are parallel to the ground and elbows touch legs (only go as low as you're comfortable with), rise up and repeat. Do 15 to 20 reps.

Twists

A. Sit on the ground with knees bent. Hold a kettlebell in left hand next to right shoulder and wrap right hand around left. Lean back, then raise feet.

B. Shift your weight to the right as you pull the kettlebell down to your left side. Return to start and repeat; switch sides to complete set.

Windmill

A. Holding a kettlebell in your left hand, arm extended overhead and palm facing forward, stand with feet staggered, right in front of left and about a foot apart.

B. Shift weight into your left hip and bend forward at your hips as you rotate your torso left, keeping your left arm raised and reaching your right hand toward your right foot. Rise up and repeat; switch sides to complete set.

 

Swings

A. Stand with feet wider than shoulders and hold a kettlebell in right hand in front of hips, arm straight and palm facing body. Squat, shifting hips back, as you lower the kettlebell between your legs, then swing it forward to chest height as you rise up.

B. Squeeze your butt and push your hips forward as you stand. Lower into a squat as you swing the weight between your legs and repeat; switch hands halfway through the set.

(An added bonus--- these workouts take way less time than typical weight-training routines becuase you are almost constantly moving and toning!)