Hello friends! Last month I posted a Lower Body Kettlebell Workout and I am back with the Upper Body version today!
My goal with these workouts is to minimize the intimidation factor of kettlebells. Google searches or a peak around the gym floor often lead to sights of complex exercises and scary swings. But it doesn’t need to be that way.
Often kettlebells are a great way to mimic dumbbell exercises with a slightly different weight and form challenge. This is awesome for plateau and boredom busting. And, as I’ve said before, kettlebells (or their homemade versions) are easy to store at home.
I will admit, one of the most tricky things about kettlebells is getting the weight right for you and for the exercise. Especially for exercises where the kettlebell completes a large motion (swings, halos, snatches, etc.). You want to find the Goldilocks weight. A weight that is heavy enough to be challenging for the exercise, but light enough that you are in control. That means that you can complete a full range of motion without relying on momentum and without the bell smacking into your body. It does take a bit of trial and error.
As with the lower body version, this workout is beginner friendly. Form focused motions are practiced without the kettlebell first, and you can always keep them body weight only. I’ve also included single arm and lateral motions. This workout is push and pull focused, which again, are useful throughout the lifespan.
Exercises Demonstrated
Warm Up – Pilates arm circles, Pilates waitress, Unweighted Halos
Overhead Press
One Arm Row
Bicep Curl + Pass
Halos
Chest Press
Pullover
