The best part of about double kettlebell workouts are that you get twice the workout in almost half the time.

The second best thing about double kettlebell workouts are that you look twice as bad ass.

We shot this double kettlebell workout a few months ago in Maine on top of Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. I really can’t imagine a more beautiful place to do a kettlebell workout. (I know I’ve said that about a number of workout locations.)

We’ve seen so much in the last four months that watching the video feels a little surreal. It almost feels as if I’m watching a dream. Maine, like I expected when we set off on our trip, has been one of my favorite states. This workout is probably one of my favorites as well because the moves in the complex flow into one another. It feels very natural and rhythmic.

Double Kettlebell Workout – Maine

Part One – Double* Kettlebell Complex

A. Double Clean
B. Double Press
C. Double Squat
D. Double Row
E. Push Up

Repeat A-E 5x, 4x, 3x, 3x, 1x.  In other words, think of A-E as one rep and repeat 5x the first round and then rest. The second round do each exercise four times through and so on.

↑ (I’m sure there must be a better way to word all of that.)  ↑

Part Two 

Double Swings

30 seconds of swinging alternating with 30 seconds of rest for five minutes

*This double kettlebell workout could easily be turned into a single kettlebell workout. Just do one side of the body at a time for exercises A, B, D. Don’t feel like you aren’t getting as good as workout if you use a single kettlebell. In fact, it could be argued that single kettlebell workouts are more challenging than doubles because your body must work extra hard to stabilize your body against the imbalance of weight.

Okay, some things I noticed about my form that may help you. Remember to “pull down” in your squat.  Use those hip flexors to pull your butt to the ground. When I do double kettlebell workouts, I sometimes just sit or drop down because I’m lazy they are twice the weight than I’m used to using as opposed to intentionally pulling myself into a squat. Also remember to keep those shoulders packed (shoulders blade down and back).  I still have to remind myself to pack my shoulders after more than three years of working with kettlebells.

Again, I find double kettlebell workouts both easier and harder. They are obviously heavier which makes them harder in terms of exertion but the balanced weight feels more natural making exercises like cleans easier. Not to get all woo-woo on you but something about doing double kettlebell workouts in nature just makes me feel so balanced and connected.

What about you? Do you prefer single or double kettlebell workouts? Do you find one harder than the other?

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Keep up with my kettlebell workouts, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. 2. Subscribe to the RSS Feed or 3. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook. Simple dimple!

Journey with our family on the road at New School Nomads as we travel fulltime in RV through the United States!

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Are kettlebells for cardio or strength training?

That’s a question I get asked regularly. The answer is “It depends.” and “Both“. Since I don’t have access to a ” real gym” I’m using mostly kettlebells for cardio and strength.

Kettlebells exercises are divided into two basic groups “grinds” and “ballistics“. Kettlebells for strength are often referred to as grinds. Grinds are performed slowly, rooted in strength, use full body tension, and include exercises like squats and presses. Kettlebells for cardio are called ballistics. Ballistics are generally fast (explosive), rooted in power and force, use a combination of relaxation and tension, and include swings and snatches. Of course, there are some of exercises that feel like both such as thrusters.

There is a lot of crossover between cardio and strength with kettlebells. If you are using kettlebells for cardio there is a lot of strength involved (assuming your bell is heavier than 10 lbs) and if you are using kettlebells for strength, depending on how you structure your workout, there is usually a fair amount (sometimes a lot) of cardiovascular work involved.

My Massachusetts workout was designed with beginners in mind (Kettlebell workouts filmed in the original 13 colonies are beginner based.) and primarily as a cardio circuit. However, as I said before, the beauty of kettlebells (and many of my other favorite tools) is that you get stronger while improving your conditioning and vice versa. They are an effective all around functional fitness tool making them perfect for busy people who don’t live to workout.

Cape Cod was an amazing place to workout. It’s hard to believe I was just there a few months ago.

When I look back at the pictures it feels like I’m looking at pictures of a dream!

Kettlebells for Cardio – Massachusetts

1. Press or Push Press – Left
2. Swings
3. Press or Push Press – Right
4. Swing
5. Rows – Left
6. Swings
7. Rows – Right
8. Swings
9. Squats
10. Swings
11. KB Toss
12. Swings
13. Hot Potatoes

Set your timer to your desired interval (I used a gentle 30/30 work to rest interval.) and do exercises 1-13. Repeat circuit 1-3x. 

Hint – If you are short on time use longer work periods (don’t go over a minute), shorter rest periods, and do the circuit once. If you are a machine keep the rest periods short and repeat 3x. 

Kettlebells won’t fit everybody’s goals. If you want to be able to deadlift 300 pounds then you are going to need to use a bar and weights. But if you are looking for an alternative to the hamsterwheel treadmill while still improving your cardiovascular health then kettlebells are your friend.

Do you use kettlebells for cardio, strength, or both?

Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn

Keep up with my kettlebell workouts, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. 2. Subscribe to the RSS Feed or 3. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook. Simple dimple!

Journey with our family on the road at New School Nomads as we travel fulltime in RV through the United States!

The post Kettlebells for Cardio and Strength – Massachusetts appeared first on Girl Heroes.