So long 2020 and hello 2021!
Quarantine has been a boom for home delivery services. A boom that is unfortunately reflecting on our waistlines.
Trending hashtags like #quarantineweight have made our love for food and lounging obvious. It’s all fun and games until we need to go in for a job interview and realize nothing fits.
With the darkness that 2020 has brought, 2021 seems like the glimmer of hope we all need.
So, why not be the best version of yourself? Read on to find out how these 10 kettlebell core exercises can help you to be the best you can be.
1. The Resurrected Dead Bug
The resurrected dead bug is a twist on the traditional Dead Bug. Both are designed to protect your lower back. As an anti-rotation and anti-extension exercise, the Resurrected Dead Bug is a great choice for those looking for core exercise with the aid of kettlebells.
The key to completing this exercise is to make sure your back stays on the floor.
While on your back, your arms will be extended upwards hoisting the kettlebell above your chest thru the duration of this exercise. Your legs will also be raised but will be lowered slowly until they are inches off the ground. Slowly raise your legs back up and repeat.
2. Romanian Deadlift
The Romanian Deadlift will target the core, butt, hamstrings, and quads. You will definitely end up feeling this on your lower half.
Your starting position will be standing with your legs in line with your shoulders and a kettlebell in each hand. Lean forward with your knees slightly bent. Continue this motion until you complete your desired amount of reps.
3. Kettlebell Swing
No routine is complete without core exercises, especially this one. The kettlebell swing is considered a staple that targets the butt and your lower back. Keeping your core tight is the key to this exercise.
Place the kettlebell before you, and bend your body forward. Grab the kettlebell and swing it in front of you until your arms are parallel to the ground. Swing the kettlebell back while your knees are bent.
4. Kayak
Another one of the many core exercises with a kettlebell, the Kayak is sure to make your mid-section feel the burn.
Assume a seated position with your knees raised and bent. While balancing on your tail bonne rotate your torso to the opposite side of where your arms will be placing the kettlebell. Alternate side, if your torso goes right the kettlebell goes left, and so on.
5. Single-leg Deadlift
The Single-leg Deadlift is a bit more than the traditional Deadlift, but a lot easier to execute than its Romanian cousin. This exercise will target your glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core.
Your starting position will be you standing with a kettlebell in each hand. You will balance on one leg, as you move down with the kettlebells towards the floor your other leg will rise and push back. Return to starting position and switch legs.
6. Sumo Squat
A more lenient squat variant, the Sumo Squat has a wide stance benefitting those that may need the extra inches for balance. Your adductors and glutes will be benefiting from this squat.
With your feet placed wider than your shoulders, you will be grabbing the kettlebell with both hands. You will be going from a standing position to squatting until the kettlebell is centimeters off the ground.
7. Heart Pump
This squat will work your entire body but will pay extra attention to your core and legs. Bikini season can be year-round with this exercise.
Assume the standard squat position and hold the kettlebell with both hands. While maintaining the squat position and push the kettlebell away from your chest and back. Repeat a few times and then stand, that is one rep.
8. Halo
The Halo will have you begin in a lunge position in case squats aren’t for you. This exercise will work your shoulders and core.
Assume the lunge position with one foot forward and the other with your knee resting behind you. Place both hands on the kettlebell and rotate the kettlebell around your head in a clockwise pattern. Once set is complete switch legs and move kettlebell counterclockwise.
9. Rack Carry
Looking for more of an upper-body workout? The rack carry will go as far south as your glutes. Targeting the deltoids, biceps, triceps, back, and core your arms may feel a bit like overcooked noodles the next morning.
With kettlebells placed near each foot, you will be going from a standing position to a squat. Once you squat you will grab a kettlebell and stand back up carrying one in each hand. The handles of the kettlebell should face inward, squat back down to place kettlebells back on the floor.
10. Windmill
With all this talk about kettlebells you may begin to ask; do I know how to use a kettlebell? Worry not, there are plenty of gyms that offer class sessions or personal training sessions.
Considered a whole-body workout, the Windmill targets muscle groups like hamstrings, quads, glutes, deltoids, and core. This exercise should be a great addition to a routine where you need to make each minute count.
Stand with your feet spread out a little past your shoulders. With the kettlebell in the right hand, raise it directly over your shoulder while at the same time slowly moving your left hand towards the ground. You should form a straight line, return to the starting position, and switch arms.
Try These Kettlebell Core Exercises
Whether we exercise for stress relief, to look better, or to socialize, all these reasons have one common benefit; better health.
Kettlebell core exercises can fit into any routine and be tailored to the individual and their fitness level. Try out all the exercises and see which you like the best and use them. After all, if you don’t like your routine you probably won’t stick to it long enough to see results.
Interested in learning more about kettlebell exercises? Reach out to us to find out more about health and fitness.
