Full-body blast HIIT kettlebell workout to test your limits

Here we are with another HIIT kettlebell workout!

I’ve been on this kettlebell train lately so naturally, the kettlebell is our torture weapon of choice today.

What we have here is a HIIT (High-intensity interval training) kettlebell workout that combines both strength and endurance training.

I’m a big fan of that type of workout as they are very efficient and it’s like shooting two birds with one stone – resistance training and aerobic training in one.

In case you don’t have a kettlebell, you can always use a dumbbell.

I suggest going for a middle-range weight, one with which you won’t need to break up the sets but we’ll still challenge you.

Warm-up

As usual, don’t forget to warm up nicely.

Take your time with it – 10-15 minutes at least. This will prep both your muscles and the central nervous system for the upcoming physical stress you’re about to put on your body.

HIIT kettlebell workout for strength & endurance

3 (or 4 if you’re feeling adventurous) Rounds of:

1. Kettlebell High-Pull (3 reps Left hand/ 3 reps Right hand)
2. Kettlebell Burpee to Goblet squat
3. Deadlift to Bent Over Row ( 3 reps Left hand/ 3 reps Right hand)
4. Kettlebell Swings
5. Kettlebell Thruster
6. Kettlebell Sit-ups

Perform each exercise for 45 seconds and rest for 15 seconds before starting the next exercise. At the end of each round, take a minute break.

3 rounds will give you a 20-minute full-body blast but you’re welcome to push your limits further and try 4 rounds.

Kettlebell High-Pull

Start with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width.

Go down by hinging at the hips and bending your knees just enough to pick up the kettlebell.

Notice – the hips stay higher than the knees. The movement is much more like a deadlift than a squat. Keep your back straight and core engaged.

Grab the kettlebell and explosively go up, bringing your elbow to shoulder-hight and kettlebell at the height of your chin.

Burpee to Kettlebell Goblet Squat

Have the kettlebell in front of you.

Go into a high-plank burpee (no push-up).

Once you jump back to your feet, grab the kettlebell and perform a goblet squat – hold the kettlebell in front of your chest, keep your back straight and chest up.

Deadlift to Bent Over Row

Shoulder-width stance. The key is to keep your core tight and, I know I’m constantly repeating myself, but keep a straight back as well.

Control the movement of the kettlebell and don’t let your elbow go to the side, keep it close to your torso.

Switch hands every 3 reps.

American Kettlebell swings

Hold the kettlebell in front of you with straight hands. Use a slight bend in your knees and extending your hips to swing the weight all the way to above your head.

Notice, it’s not a squat-like movement.

You hinge your hips, rapidly extend them, and use that momentum to drive the weight up. Keep the back straight.

KB Thruster

Hold the kettlebell with both hands in front of your chest as you go down into a squat. When you come up, use the momentum and press the kettlebell up above your head.

Also, be careful not to introduce the kettlebell to your nose. It’s never nice LOL.

Kettlebell Sit-Ups

Lie on your back, knees bend. Hold the kettlebell above your chest with straight arms. Engage your core and drive your torso up, while simultaneously shifting your arms (and kettlebell) above your head.

Cooldown

Take a few minutes after you’re done with it this kettlebell HIIT workout to cool down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are kettlebells good for HIIT?

Kettlebells are a good equipment piece to implement in HIIT since you can do a big variety of exercises.

Is a 20 minute kettlebell workout enough?

The time frame of 20 minutes is more than enough but the effectiveness of the workout depends on your effort during these 20 minutes.

Can you get ripped from kettlebells?

Training with kettlebells can definitely help you to get a better physique but is not the only factor. Next to training, you will need to take care of your nutrition, sleep, hydration, recovery, and stress management.