Coming up with just the right workout to get started with kettlebells can be a challenge in and of itself. With a bewildering (at first) array of exercises and routines out there to choose from, what constitutes just the right blend for you to follow and how can you fashion a routine that will get you where it is you want to go? Here we’ll look at how to craft a workout that both fits you and allows for growth down the road.

For most people new to kettlebells it’s definitely advisable to start out with a routine consisting of some of the more basic kettlebell exercises before advancing on to some of the advanced training. This applies to you even if you’re a serious lifter from way back, as a firm foundation in the basics is essential to success in any discipline, and even more so in kettlebells. For the best results with kettlebells, technique and form MATTER, so take the time to learn the basics and do them right.

That said, lets look at a few of the basic exercise and how you can form a great workout routine with them.

You want to craft a workout that emphasizes whole body conditioning, and for that reason you’ll want to include exercises that address the body core, the legs, the shoulders, the chest and the back.

For the core, start with exercises like a bent press or a windmill. Others you might include would be the Turkish get-up, and the side press.

For your chest, employ different variations of the presses, such as the military press, and the floor press. You may move on to some clean and press exercises as well when you feel ready.

For your legs some of the squats are in order, typically exercises like the double front squat, hack squat and one-legged squat, double swing and double snatch.

For your back almost any of the swings will address this area, as well as some dead lifts.

For the shoulders, try to include some bent over rows, as well as Renegade rows, one arm rows and kettlebell pull ups.

You’ll need to find the right combination of these exercises along with the proper weight you need to start with, and proceed from there. Don’t be afraid to change up the order and emphasis of the workouts from time to time. Also make sure to not overwork one muscle group at the expense of others. Kettlebells is a full body conditioning program, and you actually risk injury (not to mention deformity!) if you leave out a muscle group.

You need to make sure you’re training at a high intensity level three days a week to get the strength and cardiovascular workout that kettlebells can provide. Most of the above can be done with only one kettlebell, or there are one arm versions of the exercises out there. Make sure to take around ninety seconds rest between sets. make sure not to train when you are overly fatigued. kettlebell training requires that you give it the best you’ve got to offer, and the technique and form aspect is crucially important to success to with kettlebells.

Make a plan and follow that plan for a good amount of time. Keep a journal, recording your progress, and the exercises and weights used. This is a useful tool in your ongoing conditioning program. Train with a partner if possible. The town of you can push yourselves further than you may have been willing to go alone.

Training with kettlebells can be a physique and indeed a life changing regimen. Make sure you give it the seriousness and time it deserves, and you’ll find yourself not only a whole new level of health, strength and fitness, but a more confident, fun and active lifestyle!