Many studies and researchers conclude that exercising while pregnant is not only safe but also recommended. According to the American Pregnancy Association, some benefits include increased energy, improved posture and mood, and even better sleep. However, when it comes to using kettlebells during pregnancy, there isn’t a whole lot of information to glean from. Therefore, it’s only natural to worry about the risks to both baby and mom especially when weights are used.
When I saw that popular fitness coach Funk Roberts posted another kettlebell workout video on YouTube, I was eager to break it down. After all, his last kettlebell workout is one of the most well-received that I’ve detailed on Kettlebell Krusher. Imagine my surprise when I learned that it was, in fact, not Funk who produced this workout. Rather, another coach using Funk’s channel to gain more exposure.
Some of my favorite kettlebell flows aren’t all that dazzling to watch but offer an effective workout none-the-less. The first flow I ever covered by Onnit’s Eric Leija is one I perform weekly and still thoroughly enjoy. Why? It checks off all the boxes that I look for in a flow which are simplicity, pacing, and alternating sides for symmetry and recuperation.
I’m not sure how often the average kettlebell enthusiast works out during the week. Myself, I like to do 5 days in a row (Monday – Friday) for 20 minutes each day. In order to sustain that frequency, it’s important that I leave a little bit in the tank as they say. However, once or twice a month, I make it a point to go all out and torture myself with a grueling workout. Why? Sometimes it is out of guilt, especially if I’ve had a poor day of dieting prior to that workout. Other times, it’s just because I want to test my limits and gauge how much my body can handle.
The great thing about Instagram is that there’s always someone new to discover no matter what your interests are. For instance, Coach Sarah is followed by a few of my favorite kettlebell Instagram accounts. However, I just happened to come across one of her latest posts in one of my hashtag feeds. In the video for that post, her combination of speed, agility, and grace is simply amazing. Definitely deserving of a break-down!
What do you get when two of kettlebell’s most prominent trainers work out together? Some very intense and fast-paced kettlebell flows! Eric Leija has impressed fitness enthusiasts for some time now with his creative and motivational workouts. Jason Figorski, on the other hand, has amassed a huge following in a short time by demonstrating some of the quickest and agile kettlebell moves you’ll ever see. For these reasons, both trainers are listed in my top 10 kettlebell Instagram accounts you should follow.
I see a lot of other kettlebell trainers and enthusiasts on here working out with double bells of the same weight. Honestly, I’m a little envious! However, I don’t have the cash to spend on two kettlebells of equal weight. So, I like to get creative and integrate mixed weights into my workouts from time to time.
Now that I’ve lost a considerable amount of weight, my fitness goals have started to shift. I’ve been focusing on building strength and muscle, however, there are several other areas which need improvement as well. Flexibility, range of motion, and of course stability and balance. I consider these to be finesse attributes that often get overlooked. Although, the two exercises I’ll be discussing will also help to build strength. Specifically in the legs.
Anyone who follows Jillian on Instagram probably knows how she loves to use kettlebells as an anchor point. This time she mixes up both competition kettlebells with lighter traditional-styled ones. It’s not a strenuous workout by any means, but it will keep you on your toes for sure! That’s the beauty of kettlebells, you can target so many areas of fitness. It doesn’t have to be just about strength and power.
Before I came up with Game of Bells: Swinging to 300, I created another method to do 300 kettlebell swings in a workout session. It doesn’t involve downsizing or switching weights. It should be done with whatever current kettlebell weight you’re comfortable with. For myself, that weight is 35 lbs.
