Struggling to build muscle and get toned? If so, read on to learn more about the most effective kettlebell exercises for building muscle.
It’s no secret that lifting weights is one of the best ways to build muscle. Whether you’re doing bodyweight exercises or lifting free weights, having some kind of resistance training in your routine is important for reaching your fitness goals.
But what kind of weights should you be lifting? Many people love to lift free weights, like dumbbells or barbells. But there is another type of weight that is gaining popularity among those looking to build muscle quickly: kettlebells.
- What Makes Kettlebell Exercises Effective for Building Muscle?
- 1. Kettlebell Exercises for Building Muscle – Swings
- 2. Kettlebell Exercises for Building Muscle – Goblet Squats
- 3. Kettlebell Exercises for Building Muscle – Turkish Get-Ups
- 4. Kettlebell Exercises for Building Muscle – Windmills
- 5. Kettlebell Exercises for Building Muscle – Kettlebell Rows
- Final Thoughts
Kettlebells are small, round weights that have a handle on the top so you can easily grip them and lift them. Because they are small and compact, kettlebells are an excellent choice for home workouts. And unlike free weights, you can do a lot of different exercises with kettlebells, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to build muscle.
Read More: 15 Brutal Kettlebell Workouts to Destroy Weakness and Burn Fat
What Makes Kettlebell Exercises Effective for Building Muscle?
Kettlebell exercises are popular for building muscle and toning the body because they are such a great total-body workout. They use your whole body to perform each movement, so you engage every muscle in your body while lifting the kettlebell. This means that even the smaller muscles groups around your shoulders and in your arms will be getting a great workout every time you use a kettlebell for an exercise.
Another benefit of using kettlebells for building muscle is that you can use kettlebell exercises as part of your cardio workout. Since many kettlebell exercises involve moving the weight quickly in a swinging motion, you can get your heart pumping and improve your cardiovascular health at the same time as you build muscle.
And finally, using kettlebells for building muscle is easy and convenient. You can easily perform each exercise without having to worry about a lot of equipment or heavy weights, as you would with free weights. Plus, since kettlebells are so compact and portable, you can bring them with you anywhere you go so you can get in a quick workout anytime, anywhere.
So if you’re ready to start building muscle and toning your body with kettlebells, read on to learn about some of the best kettlebell exercises for building muscle:
1. Kettlebell Exercises for Building Muscle – Swings
Kettlebell swings are one of the most effective kettlebell exercises for building muscle. They work your core, glutes, and legs all at once, making them a great choice for anyone looking to get stronger and build muscle.
To do kettlebell swings, start by holding the kettlebell with both hands. Squat down a little bit and then stand back up, using your hips to swing the kettlebell up above your head. Then, lower the kettlebell back down between your thighs and repeat. It’s important to keep your core engaged and your back straight throughout the movement.
2. Kettlebell Exercises for Building Muscle – Goblet Squats
Goblet squats are another great exercise for building muscle. This move works your glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core all at once to give you a full-body workout in just a few minutes. What’s more, they burn more calories than other types of squats, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to lose weight.
To do a goblet squat, hold the kettlebell in front of your chest with both hands. Squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor, and then stand back up. Make sure you keep your core engaged the entire time so that you don’t arch your back.
3. Kettlebell Exercises for Building Muscle – Turkish Get-Ups
Turkish get-ups are another effective exercise that works almost every muscle in your body. This move requires a little more coordination than other kettlebell exercises, so it might take you a few tries to get the hang of it. But once you do, this is one of the best kettlebell exercises for building muscle and toning your body.
To do a Turkish get-up, start by lying on your back. Hold the kettlebell in one hand, and then push yourself up into a sitting position so that you are facing the ceiling with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Then using momentum, stand up completely while still holding onto the kettlebell. Slowly bring your legs back down to the floor, and then lie back down. Repeat.
4. Kettlebell Exercises for Building Muscle – Windmills
Windmills are another great exercise for building muscle with kettlebells. This move works your core and shoulders, as well as your glutes and hamstrings, making it a great choice for anyone looking to tone up their entire body.
Start by gripping the kettlebell in one hand, with your arm fully extended above your head. Squat down, and then begin to stand up while keeping the weight over your shoulder. Lower yourself back down into a squatting position, but don’t put the weight back on the ground yet. Instead, hinge forward from your hips and let the weight slowly lower down to the ground, so that you are leaning forward with your torso parallel to the floor. Then push yourself back up into a standing position while holding onto the kettlebell before starting over again.
5. Kettlebell Exercises for Building Muscle – Kettlebell Rows
Finally, consider adding kettlebell rows to your workout routine. This move works your upper back and arms, making it a great choice for building muscle in those areas.
To do a kettlebell row, grip the kettlebell with one hand, and then bend forward at your hips so that you are leaning forward with your torso parallel to the floor. Then begin to pull the weight up toward your chest. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you do this, and make sure to keep your core engaged. Then slowly lower the weight back down toward the ground.
Final Thoughts
With so many great kettlebell exercises out there, it can be hard to know which ones are best for building muscle and toning your body. But the five exercises listed above are some of the most effective options. So if you’re looking to get in shape and achieve your health and fitness goals, be sure to give these exercises a try! They are sure to help you build the strong, fit body you’ve always wanted.
Read More: Perfect 12-Minute Kettlebell Workout for Faster Fat Loss
Image Sources
- kettlebell workout: Depositphotos
- EMOM-crossfit-kettlebell-workouts: Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.
- fraser kettlebell FIBONACCI: Courtesy of CrossFit Inc.