Kettlebells are a great piece of equipment. Whether you're tackling a high-intensity workout or trying to build strength, you can use this fitness tool to elevate your workouts with hundreds of effective exercises.
This fun, varied routine is a prime example of their versatility, using 20 moves in as many minutes to to help you develop muscle all over, raise your heart rate and boost your metabolism. And all you need is a kettlebell.
The workout comes courtesy of Roxanne Russell, a personal trainer who has a BSc in exercise, physical activity, and health. You'll perform each exercise for 45 seconds, rest for 15 seconds, then move on to the next one in a no-repeat circuit sure to keep you on your toes.
It has the added benefit of being "knee-friendly" too, working your legs without including squats or lunges in any form. Before you get started, it's worth spending some time practicing each move.
Form is important, whatever type of exercise you're doing, but this is especially true when using weights. So, try following along with Russell's video below and matching her movements to ensure you're using the correct technique.
Watch Workout With Roxanne's full-body workout
Russell stresses that this routine is meant to challenge you with moderate to heavy resistance (she uses 10kg/22lb,12kg/26.5lb and 15kg/33lb kettlebells, for reference). However, she urges you to use a weight that is suitable for your individual strength and fitness level.
This is the only equipment you'll need, although if you're working out on a hard surface you may benefit from a yoga mat for extra cushioning and comfort. Despite the minimal gear, it's still a great example of a high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) workout.
This workout technique helps build strength all over, but has other benefits. A study published in the Current Sports Medicine Reports journal found 10 weeks of resistance training may lower body fat, improve physical performance, and increase resting metabolic rate (the amount of energy your body uses at rest).
If you're new to this type of exercise, it's likely your muscles will feel sore the next day. This is called delayed-onset muscle soreness, or DOMS for short. To help their muscles recover and fuel them for growth, many people take protein shakes after their workout.
If you're after a new supplement to add to your post-workout drink, the best protein powders for weight loss are a great place to start. Want to try more kettlebell workouts? Fit&Well has you covered. Check out our guide to kettlebell exercises you can do at home or at the gym.
