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Why Kettlebell Exercises Are Effective and How They Flow

By Greg Brookes

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    1. Kim Avatar
      Kim

      Before watching this video, Greg, I must have been doing something right. No pain in the rear back area and sleeping, it’s wonderfully restful now! I enjoyed watching you switch hands. I know how to do it but, I have a few more sessions to go before I will be able to. I am at 20 pounds kettle weight, I must get used to it yet and, almost ready to go further. By and by, only 3 sessions and I am already starting to see something good going on with my body. My arms surely needed to do kettle workouts. Thank you, Greg!

    2. Chris Avatar
      Chris

      I’ve been a regular at the gym and training BJJ for many years. This year we had our first child and time is at a premium. I’ve thrown around the odd kettlebell at the gym but with a small time and space commitment I’m hoping kettlebell training can keep me fit while minimising my time away from the family. I’ve bought a few bells and some mats for the garage. Finding these resources great to help string together 30 min programmes. Cheers!

    3. Karl Avatar
      Karl

      Thanks for all the information you put here. Im starting to do the TGU without weight first. Its not so easy at all. Thanks for all the information. regards

    4. Nella Avatar
      Nella

      Thank you very much Greg very useful video to understand how to do the exercices

    5. Zebia Avatar
      Zebia

      I am looking forward to enjoying my workouts.
      What are the benefits of only using kettle bells?

    6. Robyn Paterson Avatar
      Robyn Paterson

      Thanks Greg after having a stroke I am looking forward to slowly getting back into working with the Kettlebell again any advise on where i should start.

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Yes Robyn, you can begin with these 5 exercises. Good luck

    7. Chiryl Avatar
      Chiryl

      Love this video! You make it look so easy. Just began getting back into shape in July 2020. Started out by walking hills and trails in PA. First day out I thought for sure the hills were trying to kill me but stuck to it and soon found myself walking almost 15 miles by the end of summer. I felt great! There were times I could have sworn I was going to die before I got to the victory point. I wanted more from my workouts. So, I started checking out kettle bell programs that worked with beginners. Let me tell you, after that first “beginner” workout I didn’t know whether to throw up, pass out or just plain ole die in my puddle of sweat gasping for breath heap on the floor (satire) 😂. I thought I was in pretty good shape by then. Well, I didn’t let it beat me. Dragged myself to the shower with determination to continue with my 10lb kettlebell. A little hesitant that night when I sat on the toilet and attempted to get back up. Is that what they call leg day! My thighs screamed at me getting back up. With too much info there (but true) I did not give up. Progressing along. Moved up to a 15 lb k. Bell. Even bought a 20lb for the next step up. Let me tell you, it was tough at first. I walked like Fred Sanford for a week but stay with it. It does pass and you progress past all the “swear I’m gonna die” moments.
      🏋️‍♂️💪🏼😊

    8. Jon Avatar
      Jon

      Great content, new to kettlebells, well last 6 weeks….the more I use the more I enjoy. Your videos and content will without a doubt support my progress! 👌

    9. daisy Avatar
      daisy

      this is really helpful , i just purchased a 10kg kettlebell and wasn’t sure how to use it , thank you .

    10. Weslica Johnson Avatar
      Weslica Johnson

      I am an African-American woman that is looking to expand my horizons beyond dance fitness as a form of weight loss. I was blown away by Gregs expertise and his down-to-earth nature. I absolutely ADORE the fact that he trains barefoot. I am done with following the fads and buying equipment and exercise attire to only fizzle out and become disinterested and apathetic after a short amount of time. I enjoy his instructions that are simple and to the point. I am a high school teacher and I must say that his modelling of all of the exercises is spot on. The camera angles and his verbal cues are seamless. I appreciate that he has taken the time to articulate the process rather than showoff in front of the camera in hopes that he will impress someone into buying products. He is a real mentor and a man of true character. I struggle with weakness in my left arm from an injury that I incurred in the 4th grade. I can use a 10 pounder for most exercises but must use a 5 pounder in my left hand for just a few. I have full confidence that I will reach a balance by following Greg’s program. My goal is to eventually use a 15 or 18 pounder maybe by July. He is a great instructor. He embodies the work. I believe in him and every word he says. That is so very rare for these days. He is the real deal. He has inspired this 40-year-old “teenager.” I feel like I can really do this. I am counting the small victories daily and steadily exercising a consistent work ethic to build myself up.

    11. Mauro Avatar
      Mauro

      thanks for the video and instructions. I’m just starting out and I use 8kg kettlebells. I am a doctor and during this time I only have 15 minutes to train when I wake up. hope to improve with your suggestions. thanks

    12. Doug haralson Avatar
      Doug haralson

      Your amazon link to purchase a kettlebell via rep fitness only has 32 kg. I need men’s beginner 16 kg. Another brand recommendation? Doug. Also am 73 years old with minor back pain. Kettlebell ok with this?

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Yes Doug there is a kettlebell shortage world-wide right now. If you have minor back pain then I suggest you get some one-on-one supervision before performing any kettlebell training.

    13. John Timm Avatar
      John Timm

      I’m so very excited that I came across your site/name. I’m reading all the articles, and as I read one topic, I see the link to another related topic that I want to read. Thanks for your contribution to mine and others kettlebell training.

    14. Kathleen McGovern Avatar
      Kathleen McGovern

      Thanks – very much appreciate the flow aspect!

    15. Michael Mcguire Avatar
      Michael Mcguire

      I like the video.

    16. Lou Cruz Avatar
      Lou Cruz

      Love this KB exercise video😍

    17. César Avatar
      César

      Muy buen video, todo aclarado de manera sencilla y dinámica. Muchas gracias.

    18. Rob Avatar
      Rob

      Very good compact insight! Not so much talking without moving! Thanks a lot

    19. Jeffrey Avatar
      Jeffrey

      Very nice flow. Thanks

    20. Shirley Avatar
      Shirley

      Hi, I’m 59 woman have exercised regularly but all of the sudden I’m experiencing lower metabolism and mid section weight. Looking for something different to motivate. Will kettlebell training help with metabolism and mid section weight loss? Looks fun!

      1. Linda R Gaertner Avatar
        Linda R Gaertner

        I am 68 and had the same problem. Kettlebell workouts helped me shave off 29 pounds.

    21. Eddie Avatar
      Eddie

      Can’t wait for the kettlebells to arrive!

    22. Christine Elizabeth Ann Nash Avatar
      Christine Elizabeth Ann Nash

      Thank you. I have done those before but never sure how many reps I should do and how many days to work and rest.

    23. Norman J Plummer Avatar
      Norman J Plummer

      Hi I’m 71 years old have bad hip over weigh and i’m a short men what have you got for me that i can do. thanks

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Just start with the basics Norman and monitor how your body reacts.

    24. Tim Avatar
      Tim

      I’ve been doing your 12 week program and loving it. A total convert! Thanks

    25. Slawomir Antoskiewicz Avatar
      Slawomir Antoskiewicz

      Great demo. Thank you.
      Lockdown introduced me to kettlebell world and I love it.

      1. Thomas Mooney Avatar
        Thomas Mooney

        67 yrs young, weak core, starting to exercise and 32 y.o. son suggested kettles. What weight ? Kettles also give cardio work as well as weight traing… lots of questions want to start correctly.

    26. Rafael-ito Avatar
      Rafael-ito

      Great video, many thanks

    27. Ted Avatar
      Ted

      So what if you want to continue 4x week weight training and add kettlebell workouts. Would that necessarily be too much?

    28. Roosevelt Johnson Avatar
      Roosevelt Johnson

      Are there any kind of an and bicep exercises for beginners for the kettlebell

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Hello Roosevelt, if you are interested in developing your biceps then dumbbells or barbells and more of a bodybuilding routine would be more appropriate for you than kettlebell training.

    29. star Avatar
      star

      Thanks for this short video. I find that the quick snippets you share are very helpful especially for me who is a newbie in kettlebell.

    30. Gregory Fassler Avatar
      Gregory Fassler

      Thank You, very informative. I’m an open heart surgery survivor going on 4 years this coming November. The only thing I’m concerned about is getting my BPM to high by doing so many consecutive workouts at one time. Any suggestions.

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        I understand Gregory, just back off the intensity a little and add in more rests between exercises.

    31. Gail Ramsell Avatar
      Gail Ramsell

      Started my kettle bell exercises at weekend loved the videos thank you

    32. Hank Lewis Avatar
      Hank Lewis

      Good teacher

      1. Crystal Farris Fulton Avatar
        Crystal Farris Fulton

        Thanks, very helpful!!

        1. BILLY HODGES Avatar
          BILLY HODGES

          Nice video! Thanks

    33. Quan Avatar
      Quan

      Nice, thanks

    34. Moog Avatar
      Moog

      This is a great video – motivating. Thanks for this!

    35. Jane Avatar
      Jane

      Great demonstration…. thank you!

    36. Paul Rydeard Avatar
      Paul Rydeard

      Good video pal

    37. Nigel Green Avatar
      Nigel Green

      With this isolation need a why to stay in shape and this seems to fit the bill

    38. Tom Moffatt Avatar
      Tom Moffatt

      I like the look of the workout without the need for loads of weights and equipment

    39. Nigel Doe Avatar
      Nigel Doe

      Hi Greg, a good video and a useful reminder about how to blend workouts and keep them fresh. Have you got any recommendations or suggestions for a good warm up routine for Kettlebells? At my old StrongFirst class we used to do Primal moves. I don’t have enough room for that, so I skip, stretch and do some simple movements for arms ,shoulders and legs to warm up. For me at 59, managing old injuries and avoiding new ones to maintain continuity is really important.

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Thanks Nigel, yes I’ve written a comprehensive article on warming up before your workouts here

    40. Sophie Avatar
      Sophie

      Nice!!
      I’ve been wanting to start weight lifting to get back in shape, but I feel discouraged by the amount of time needed, as well as a gym membership. A gym membership is not practical for me at the moment and I’m a super busy stay-at-home-mom. Anyway, I really want to join your program but I’m wondering if I’ll be able to sculpt lean muscles with kettlebells alone. (?) 🤔
      Would love your feedback.
      Thank you.

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Yes Sophie, kettlebells are a full body workout 🙂

    41. Tanya Buxmann Avatar
      Tanya Buxmann

      You make it look so easy. I only started using it today

    42. logan Tauson Avatar
      logan Tauson

      Nice! I am a big fan of functional movement for longevity, would you say that kettle bell is a tool that could be used efficiently for a wide range of fitness and age if performed properly? love this video thank you sir!

    43. Terry Avatar
      Terry

      Hi Greg
      At the moment I have just had a operation on my hand and just getting advice
      I have seen your video for seniors and I like them very much I’m looking forward to get my hand better I’ll certainly be trying them

    44. Maggie Bolton Avatar
      Maggie Bolton

      Hi Greg, I’m looking forward to starting kettle bell training again. Can I just ask, I’m 61 yrs old, 3 stone over weight, going to SW. I walk, swim, do pilartes and exercise classes. But, I have a herniated lumber disc (seeing an osteopath) and arthritic knees. Apart from keeping good form are there any exercises I shouldnt do. I have GP and Osteopaths permission to use kettlebells.
      Many thanks

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Hello Maggie, if you have had a herniated disc then I recommend that you seek out someone who can monitor you as you exercise one-on-one because many exercises will aggravate your back if performed incorrectly, especially the kettlebell swing.

    45. Otis Avatar

      Recovering from knee joint replacement. Weigh about 260 lbs. suggestions for strengthening my legs. Knee has 127 degree of bend and -5 degree straightening.

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Yes I’ve sent you a private email Otis to help you strengthen your knee and speed up recovery.

    46. Alex Avatar
      Alex

      Greg. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and for your hard work on these videos. I appreciate your talents very much. Thank you greatly!

      Alex

    47. Faye W Avatar
      Faye W

      Greg – a HUGE thank you for such an informative website & your “inclusive” approach to advising men & women and both the young & more mature on the benefits of exercising with kettlebells. Took me several hours of internet searching (including youtube) to find your site but it sure beats every single one of the many I’d looked at before arriving at yours. All of the above and free printable guides – what’s not to like!
      At 62 I’m having physio for long-standing, recalcitrant GTPS and my physio suggested that I try kettlebells, adding that I’d find lots of work-outs on line – I shall be telling her about your site when next I see her! Fortunately I had sussed out from reading reviews that Wolverson products were the ones to go for (bought one of their 8kg, non-competition ones) before I came across your website so was very pleased that you also indicated that for UK residents they were the ones to go for – shame there wasn’t a tie-in on their website to yours because that would have saved me quite some time searching around for exercises and wondering whether the techniques shown would cause further injury that I can ill afford.
      So once again a HUGE thank you for the advice you are giving out and the very clear vids (at a pace that a beginner can follow which is so beneficial!) X

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Thanks for the great feedback Faye, keep me updated on all your results.

    48. Tim Wright Avatar
      Tim Wright

      That was excellent. I am following you starting on a HIIT programme.

      Thanks

    49. Maria Elvin Avatar
      Maria Elvin

      I have a dodgy shoulder joint and find some exercises painful, starting with low weights of 4 kg as worried about more injuries, still gets the heart rate pumping and life is too short to give up my whisky treat!

    50. Denis Bleil Avatar
      Denis Bleil

      I’m an 13 year old kid who lifts weights and can lift around 5-8kg what should my kettlebell weight be?

      1. Denis Bleil Avatar
        Denis Bleil

        With one hand just to be not misunderstood

    51. Lena Avatar
      Lena

      Tack. Ska testa i helgen.

    52. Lena Avatar
      Lena

      Jag är kvinna 50+ som är nybörjare vilken vikt ska man börja med?

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Lena, an 8kg would be a good start along with these 5 kettlebell exercises

    53. Ivan Avatar
      Ivan

      That was hypnotizing.

      Now I’m even more excited for kettlebell training. My first kettlebell comes in tomorrow, can’t wait!

    54. JohnF Avatar
      JohnF

      Male, 59 years old. Been running for 18 months. Over 6ft tall and weight just within a healthy bmi. Can do 10k in an hour but looking for some alteernatve exercise during the winter monthe or when I can’t leave house. Kettlebells may well be the answer. No previous weight training experience Can’t decide between 12kg or 16kg bell as a starting point. Any advice.

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Sounds good John, perhaps you can start with these 5 beginners exercises here. If you have no weight training experience then the 12kg will be the best starting weight for you.

      2. Ron Avatar
        Ron

        Thanks Greg these tips are very helpful.

    55. Frank B Freeland Avatar
      Frank B Freeland

      You used the same kettlebell for several different exercises in your interesting “Why Kettlebell Exercises Are Effective and How They Flow”. What weight was that kettlebell? Thanks!

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        It’s a 16kg (35b) kettlebell but you should use whatever weight feels comfortable for you Frank.

        1. Glenn Avatar
          Glenn

          thanks, will try(moving forward) keep updating me

    56. Kristen Crisp Avatar

      Love this video and your site! I’m a yoga instructor and and a personal trainer who recently got my CEUs in kettlebell training.
      I can’t stress enough how great KB training is for total body and mobility.
      On the flip side as someone who does have some neck issues myself I find a 10lb bell is necessary for a few exercises which I think should be more standard for woman than the 15lb. Every body is different and while the 15lb is great for 2 handed exercises many of my older clients also find 10lb works better to start for one handed and especially overhead exercises.
      Thanks for so many great resources!

    57. Sylvia Sword Avatar
      Sylvia Sword

      Hi Greg I would really value your advice. I’m 58 woman, I run 3-4 times a week usually about 8 miles per run, I love my kettlebell 7.5 kg and do routines twice a week. I am struggling with tummy fat can you recommend any exercises it gets me down.

      Thanks
      sylvia

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        For fat loss Sylvia around the tummy you need to investigate your diet. Try to eliminate as much sugar and white flour from your diet as possible. Keep a food diary / journal as this will help highlight where you may be going wrong. Reducing or stopping any alcohol consumption will also have a huge impact. Best of luck.

    58. Mark Reaves Avatar

      I am 71 and work out 5 days a week: Advanced Stott Pilates and German ballet dancer exercises ( 2x’s weekly), 30minutes of speed rope (150 jumps with 20 sec. off between sets), combo of trx and weights 30 minutes, and Body Pump class 1hr. I would like to switch it up and do kettlebells on my trx day, but I am unsure what weights to buy. I can afford three kettlebells. In the past i have been able to do 3sets of 60lb swings, but only 5lbs on get ups. I hate squats, but used to do 45lb to 50lb goblet squats in 3 sets of a 30 minute workout. Suggestions on kettlebell weight sizes?

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Hi Mark, It sounds like you have some real imbalances based on your Get Ups vs Swings. My advice would be to practice more Get Ups because eventually your weaknesses will be exposed. As for Kettlebell weights, I’ve got lots more on what you should purchase here, remember it’s not about what you can lift it’s how you move that is more important.

    59. Susan Dahl Avatar
      Susan Dahl

      Just bought a 3 set of 5, 10 and 15 lbs. Now I’m seeing 5 lbs won’t do much. Did I waste my money? I’m a woman 62 need to lose at least 50 lbs and want to know how long it might take to lose that much weight and see results?

      Thank you!
      Susan

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        You will find the 15lbs kettlebell useful Susan, you can start with these 5 beginners kettlebell exercises. For fat loss and losing 50lbs then your nutrition is MORE important than kettlebells. No alcohol, sugar and flour based foods will deliver the quickest results.

    60. Jim Avatar
      Jim

      What about a 75 yr male. Do you always need to go bigger in weight?? What should I do??

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        At 75 Jim your goals should just be good joint mobility and raising your heart rate. Depending on your weight lifting experience you may not need anything more than a 12kg. I’ve got some exercises for older adults here

    61. Leroy Richardson Avatar
      Leroy Richardson

      I’m 25 and have been struggling to lose weight . I also have sheuuremaans disease on my spine so looking to get some tips for back and core exercises and more tips on proper form and execution please

    62. Mark Hogan Avatar
      Mark Hogan

      Great article. 59 year old male, was 27% body fat now I’m 11%. Started with 15lbs kettle bells, now doing regular exercise with 50lbs each arm…. great tools for loosing weight and strength gain…

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Excellent, well done Mark and congratulations on all your success.

    63. Mike Avatar
      Mike

      Love the articles and videos. Male, 58, just quit smoking, liost 34 lbs, …now time to get back into shape,

      1. Greg Brookes Avatar

        Sounds good Mike, let me know if I can help with anything.