5 Fitness Tools to Complement Your Kettlebell Training
The kettlebell is perhaps the most versatile piece of gym equipment ever created. By performing various exercises with it, you can get a full-body workout or target specific areas if you wish. Strength, cardio, weight loss, mobility; the list goes on and on. It requires a lot of effort and dedication to see results. However, the payoff is that those results can be achieved faster than with traditional gym equipment.
Does that mean every other fitness tool pales in comparison to the benefits a kettlebell provides? In general terms, the freedom afforded and the positive impact a kettlebell can have on one’s body makes it stand above all others in my opinion. But if you want to really zone in on certain fitness goals, there are tools you can use to supplement your kettlebell training.
The below fitness tools have been used by trainers and enthusiasts who predominately work out with kettlebells. These tools aren’t for general fitness but rather are used to focus on particular muscle groups. When used together, it makes for a powerful combination that gets desired results quickly!
1. Battle Ropes
If anything can give the kettlebell a run for its money, it’s the battle rope. While they primarily work the arm and hand muscles, many other muscle areas get a great workout by design. The most popular exercise has the user alternating raising each arm in rapid succession while holding each end of the rope. This creates a sort of wave effect which in itself looks pretty cool.
Many kettlebell lifters like to use their heavy kettlebells as an anchor for battle ropes. By inserting the rope through the window of the kettlebell, you’re assured that you can keep the rope fixed in a straight line no matter how intensely you move your arms. The video below gives you an idea of how easy and portable it is to combine and set up these two fitness tools.
Battle Rope Features:
- Strength Resistance – Go at your own pace to build arm and hand strength. Also activates muscles in the core, legs, back, abs, and more!
- Portable & Multi-purpose – Coil it up and bring it with you wherever you go. Also doubles as a climbing rope for training courses and home gyms.
- Durable – Use it indoors or outside, you’ won’t have to worry about fraying or breakage thanks to its high tensile strength.
What People Are Asking:
Some customers have asked these questions about this product
Does a longer rope make for a more difficult workout?
General consensus: Yes, the longer the rope is the more effort is required to move it.
Does using it on concrete affect its durability?
General consensus: No, the rope is very sturdy and should be able to withstand multiple workout sessions for years.
- Black 30 foot, 1.5 inch diameter battle rope
- Material: 100% Poly Dacron, Wear Resistant and Durable, 3-Strand Twisted Polydactyl Strong Construction
2. Steel Macebell
One word comes to mind when I see someone working out with steel macebell; warrior. Swinging it around your backside may evoke feelings of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Conan the Barbarian but it does have a very functional purpose too. That is to improve shoulder stability and strength.
There are, of course, several different weight sizes available for steel macebells. A common range is anywhere from 5 to 30 lbs. That might not seem like a lot but it’s important to remember where the load and force of the macebell is exerting. You may be tempted to go with a heavier size, but I would use caution and read this article beforehand. Don’t risk injury because of pride or ignorance!
One of my favorite kettlebellers on Instagram, @bells_with_blake, regularly posts videos of his steel macebell workouts. I’d venture to guess it is perhaps his 2nd most favorite fitness tool other than the kettlebell of course! Check out the clip below of one of his warmups.
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Steel Macebell Features:
- Multiple Training Applications – Perfect for CrossFitters looking to expand their current toolset. Also offers another form of resistance training and even useful for combat training.
- Several Sizes – Available in 5 pound increments, there’s options for men and women of all body types and frames.
- Etched Grip – This particular brand of steel macebell has a special grip to help prevent it from slipping out of your hands while exercising.
What People Are Asking:
Some customers have asked these questions about this product
How does this compare to a sledgehammer?
General consensus: The typical sledgehammer doesn’t have as long or wide of a handle for proper weight distribution. Although, it might come down to a matter of preference when used as a fitness tool.
Does the listed weight refer to just the bell at the end?
General consensus: No, the weight accounts for the handle and the bell (total weight).
- Virtually indestructible: all-steel composition makes this macebell super strong. The evenly round head is Fully welded to the metal shaft. Don't be afraid to use it and abuse it
- Ultimate versatility: use this macebell in every type of exercise from strength training to cross fit to combat
3. Slam Ball
What’s the one type of weight that you’re actually encouraged to throw around? Why the slam ball of course! Bounce it off a wall, throw it up in the air, or slam it downward; this is a fitness tool you can have fun with. There are a lot of combos you can do with it like dropping it to the floor and performing a push-up on it.
Ideal for working the upper body muscles, you can also work the legs by doing squats while holding it. Perhaps the most unique aspect that the slam ball offers is that you don’t have to use it alone. Grab a workout buddy and play some toss! Two of the most popular kettlebell trainers on Instagram, Eric Leija and Jason Figorski, seem to enjoy playing a little catch!
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Slam Ball Features:
- Throwable – the risk of injury is low due to its size and material. Throw it in any direction you want!
- Light, Medium, Or Heavy – Like the other fitness tools, plenty of options available at different weights
- Free Fitness Guide – A unique feature of this brand is that it includes a free downloadable guide featuring popular exercises.
What People Are Asking:
Some customers have asked these questions about this product
Do the balls bounce when slammed?
Manufacturer’s response: No, they are designed to have minimal rebounding when hitting a surface.
Does air needed to be added to the ball periodically?
Manufacturer’s response: No, there is no need to add any air as it is filled with the correct weight already.
- BUILT TO ENDURE THE TOUGHEST SLAMS: With a thick outer shell that absorbs multiple impacts, slamming or throwing this handheld ball against walls or the ground forces you to utilize more energy and force, resulting in more calorie burning and endurance
4. Plyometric Jump Box
Plyometrics, also known as jump training, are exercises that quickly stretch and contract muscles for the purpose of building strength and power. Jumping high off the ground, for instance, forces your leg muscles into this action and provides an intense workout. Although plyometrics isn’t exclusively related to just lower body muscles and exercises, it is most commonly associated with jump boxes.
When doing plyo jump and step exercises, you should only use equipment designed for such. You might think you can get the same benefits jumping on and off of your couch, but that could lead to serious injury. A stable platform is necessary to safely absorb your weight as you’re doing these exercises.
Typically, plyometric jump boxes are made from wood or foam. Wood boxes are less expensive than their foam counterparts. However, while the density of foam boxes isn’t quite as rock-solid, there is a small amount of give in their material for less impact on the joints and muscles. Keep that in mind when choosing which style is best suited for your body and needs.
You’d be surprised at some of the creative combinations of exercises that can be done on a jump box. Many kettlebell enthusiasts perform step-up moves while holding a kettlebell in each hand. In the below video, a woman shows off her unique series of exercises featuring a kettlebell deadlift on the box!
Plyometric Jump Box Features:
- Not Just For Jumping – Perform box squats, step-ups, push-ups, calf raises, and many more exercises.
- Variable Height – This particular 3-in-1 wooden plyo box comes in various configurations that can be rotated to increase or decrease its height.
- Easy Assembly – This jump box also has interlocking puzzle-like pieces and pre-drilled holes for screwing the pieces together.
What People Are Asking:
Some customers have asked these questions about this product
Will these boxes support my weight?
General consensus: Yes, maximum supported weight is 400 lbs. which is more than enough for the average person and allows for additional weights (like kettlebells) to be included.
Is the brand name on the box only on one side?
General consensus: Yes, the “BOUND” brand name is only located on one side of the jump box.
- ✔ Perfect for box jumps, step-ups, box squats, and workouts
- ✔ Plywood - 3/4 inch thick. Assembly screws and square-drive bit are included.
5. Weighted Vest
There are endless options when it comes to weighted vests. Some are strictly made for everyday use, others designed for runners. For the purpose of exercising and fitness, the vest should feel secure, fit snugly, and not impede or restrict your movements. You might pay more than if you bought a generic vest, but if you plan to work out while wearing a weighted vest, you mustn’t sacrifice on quality.
This vest made by CFF Fit checks off all of the above boxes and is also adjustable with 2.2 lb iron blocks. Wear it as light as 3 lbs and gradually work your way up to the maximum weight of 44 lbs. These weights fit perfectly into their pockets, so no shifting or bouncing occurs.
Now, you probably don’t want to get too crazy with kettlebell flows and a weighted vest. It’s best to keep things simple, and do reps and sets of common exercises. Pat Flynn, one of the top Russian Kettlebell Challenge instructors in the world, demonstrates a double clean and press with his weighted vest. Talk about supercharging your kettlebell workouts!
Weighted Vest Features:
- Made for Workouts – Unlike other vests, this one was specifically designed to provide the freedom and flexibility needed while working out.
- Adjustable Weight – Go light, heavy, or somewhere in between. Great for cardio and strength-based workouts.
- Comfortable – Double padding in the shoulders with mesh venting throughout makes this vest as unintrusive as possible.
What People Are Asking:
Some customers have asked these questions about this product
Are the weights included with the vest?
General consensus: Yes, they are and are made of iron.
What sizes are available?
General consensus: There’s this regular style as well a shorter vest
- Double padding and lining throughout body and shoulder.
- 44 Lbs. Total, Increment 2.2 Lbs. One Velcro belt included.
Fitness Tool Roundup
Each of these fitness tools are great on their own and do not require a kettlebell. Those that can be used simultaneously with kettlebells will truly test your abilities while building muscles and burning fat more quickly. Therefore, determining what your long-term and short-term goals are should help decide which one to purchase first.
Another tool that everyone has heard of and deserves an honorable mention is the jump rope. It’s the go-to choice for kettlebell trainers and enthusiasts for warm-ups and during rest periods. It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t include it!
