Kettlebells are one of my favorite “non conventional” training tools for their sheer brutality and rugged nature. They are BEASTS and will forge ordinary men into modern day warriors. They might be just coming into popularity now, but kettlebells have been around for centuries…these cannon balls with handles are the definition of “old school”!
One of my favorite ways to train with kettlebells is by doing complexes of 3, 4, 5, or sometimes more movements back to back without putting the kettlebell (or bells) down. The total time under tension with these extended sets is enormous and shocks the body to strip off body fat and put on muscle. And cardio? Forget about it. You haven’t felt your lungs scream so bad before until you’ve put yourself through some serious kettlebell training.
Another added benefit of kettlebells are the grip factor…because of the thick handle and ballistic movements, your hands will get VERY strong very quickly. And be careful, people might start wondering why it looks like you have 2 boa constrictors running up your back when you’re spinal erectors and upper back muscles start popping through your t-shirt!
So here’s a simple double kettlebell complex that consists of 6 movements done back to back without putting the weights down.
1. kettlebell cleans x 8
2. kettlebell front squats x 8
3. kettlebell push presses x 8
4. kettlebell reverse lunges x 8
5. kettlebell bent over rows x 8
6. kettlebell double swings x 8
Repeat for a total of 3-5 rounds and you have yourself a complete workout that will have you fit for anything short of wrestling a gorilla!