Kettlebell Workouts

Kettlebell Workouts – Strength & Conditioning

Kettlebell (or kettle bell) workouts are used for martial arts strength training and conditioning. They are best for upper body workouts, especially for forearm, bicep and shoulder workouts.

Kettlebells are heavy ball-shaped metal weights with a grip. They are often used in a swinging motion in order to build strength. Kettlebells are seen as building functional strength (i.e. mimicking a natural movement and using multiple muscle groups) versus just focusing on a single muscle group (i.e. lifting dumbbells for bicep curls).

Medicine balls and Indian exercise clubs are similar to kettlebells in that they also help functional strength. In Hojo Undo exercises (which are used by more traditional Karate schools), there is a some-what similar martial arts training tool called the Nigiri Game (or Gripping Jar).

All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. For more conditioning and strength exercises, please visit the main Physical Fitness section.

Kettlebell Exercise Routines