New to kettlebells? Try this four-move, beginner-friendly workout to build full-body strength

The humble kettlebell has an underrated reputation. It’s a fantastic tool for building strength, burning fat, improving endurance, and enhancing overall fitness. But if you're new to kettlebell training, it can be overwhelming knowing what to do with this ball of iron. Luckily, Fitness Trainer and kettlebell enthusiast Jeremy Bryan has shared a four-move workout for all you kettlebell newbies that’s perfect for improving your full-body strength and cardiovascular fitness.
Kettlebells are also excellent for building a balanced body because, while many exercises will require you to place both hands on the handle, many of the moves are unilateral. This is where you work one side of your body at a time and it’s important for building a balanced physique, which can also reduce the likelihood of injuries. Don’t worry, this workout gives you the best of both worlds— unilateral and bilateral exercises.
A post shared by Jeremy | Functional Workouts & Fitness Tips (@jeremyfunctionalfit)
A photo posted by on
This workout is ideal for doing either at home, or the gym, and if you don’t have a kettlebell you can always substitute it for a medium-weight dumbbell or even a small-filled backpack. You’re going to perform the exercises below as a circuit— so one after the other without any rest— and you’re aiming to complete five rounds in total. After each round, rest for 1-2 minutes. Here’s the workout:
- Dead stop swings — 10 reps
- Half-kneeling halo — 10 reps (each side)
- Half-kneeling upright row — 8 reps (each side)
- Kickstand squat — 10 reps (each side)
Decathlon's gym equipment is affordable, yet doesn't compromise on quality. This 12kg kettlebell is a good weight for beginners (although there are other weight options available) and is made to last. Don't worry about it being made of iron, the bottom is coated in rubber to protect your floor!
For more beginner-friendly kettlebell workouts, check out this other six-move workout, excellent for strengthening your upper body, lower body and your core. Alternatively, if you want to burn fat, whilst enhancing your physique, try this four-move kettlebell complex from Nike’s Global Performance Coach, David Carson.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Bryony’s T3’s official ‘gym-bunny’ and Active Staff Writer, covering all things fitness. She recently completed her Level 3 PT qualification with the PFCA to bring a deeper understanding of training techniques, fitness trends, and wellness advice to her writing. In her spare time, you will find her in her natural habitat - the gym - where her style of training is a hybrid of bodybuilding and powerlifting. Bryony loves writing about accessible workouts, nutrition and testing innovative fitness products that help you reach your fitness goals and take your training to the next level.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Struggling to progress your pull-ups? An expert says these five simple hacks will help
Whether you're struggling to get your first one or can't increase your reps, these trainer-approved tips will help
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Lego just made the Mario Kart set of my dreams
Take my money already
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Build functional strength in 30 minutes with two dumbbells and these four exercises
Bend, lift and carry items easier (and look good while doing it)
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
You don’t need to run – this full-body dumbbell workout burns fat, builds muscle and boosts your cardio health
The many benefits of lifting weights
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Sculpt your abs and strengthen your core with this six-minute Pilates workout
It’s a bodyweight burner that will leave your midsection on fire
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
No sit-ups — just this four-move standing ab workout to build a stronger core
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
A stretchologist shares five dynamic stretches to boost mobility and relieve tension in the lower back
Ideal if you’ve had a long day sitting at a desk or are warming up for a workout
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
Three bodyweight exercises to strengthen your core and lower back, according to an expert
A stronger core can relieve pain, reduce injuries and help you move better
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
A sports scientist says this three-move chest workout delivers a “crazy pec pump”
And you can do it at home or the gym
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
No pull-ups needed — sculpt a wider back with this five-move dumbbell workout
No gym required
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published