Despite the global lockdown, we can’t ignore the fact that summer is just around the corner (in the northern hemisphere anyway) and not only we haven’t been training hard to get a six pack, if anything, we probably put on some lockdown weight in the last couple of months. Fear not, however, because senior kettlebell specialist Eric Leija is here to provide you with a 10-minute full-body single kettlebell workout that will get your body in shape very quick.
For this home workout, all you’ll need is a single kettlebell and some persistence, no need to buy all the home gym equipment in the world (if you don’t want to). Since this is a kettlebell workout, get ready for some functional muscle training with a lot of joint movement. Eric devised this 10-minute full-body single kettlebell workout so it works ALL the muscles in the body as well as being downstairs neighbour-friendly. You won’t do any jumping jacks, burpees or tuck jumps here.
If you are new to working out, please make sure you did a full warmup and pay extra attention to your lower back: you will need a strong core for kettlebell cleans and deadlifts. If your core needs more training, check out the best core workout we put together. Please be mindful of your surroundings and make sure there is enough space around you so you can swing that kettlebell freely without knocking your new TV off its stand.
If you are at all concerned about doing this 10-minute full-body single kettlebell workout, had issues with obesity previously or are recovering from an injury, please consult a medical professional first and get a training buddy to keep an eye on you as you work out. When it comes to working with weights, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
For more kettlebell and bodyweight workouts, check out Eric’s Instagram (@primal.swoledier) and Youtube accounts. He and his team also have a new app coming soon with structured workouts, keep your eyes peeled!
(Image credit: The Protein Works)
A word on nutrition
If you are after those sweet gains, eating the right amount of protein is as essential as the training itself. Only training would not be enough to build a strong frame, you also need to aid muscle repair and regeneration by providing your body with protein throughout the day. An average adult need anything in between 1.6-2 grams of protein per body kilo per day if they work out actively.
The most convenient way to consume protein is to mix protein powder with water or milk/substitute and have it as an on-the-go snack after the workout. For the best results, use a protein shake blender to mix the ingredients. Alternatively, you can also snack on protein bars or the best jerky instead of chocolate or biscuits.
It you have a fast metabolism, consider taking weight gainer protein: these meal replacement powders have loads of carbs as well as protein, helping you gain weight easier as you bulk up.
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How to perform this 10-minute full-body single kettlebell workout
The workout consists of 10 sets where you perform the following kettlebell flow:
- Offset push up
- Single hand deadlift
- Single arm row
- Kettlebell clean
- Squat
- Strict press
- Kettlebell snatch
Each set is 60 seconds long with 40 seconds work and 20 seconds rest. Go as hard as you can for 40 seconds without compromising your lower back and the integrity of your wrist bones. Controlled movement is essential, pay attention to where the kettlebell is and how you will move it from one exercise to the other.
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10-minute full-body single kettlebell workout
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
1. Offset pushup
Go down on the floor in a high plank position with one arm resting on the kettlebell. Do a push up and as you return to the starting position, pull the arm up that’s not on a kettlebell in a rowing movement. Keeping your core engaged will prevent your hips from twisting. Place the hand back down on the floor and return to the staring position yet again.
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
2. Single hand deadlift
Jump up and grab the handle of the kettlebell with the same arm that was resting on the kettlebell in the previous exercise. Your back should be straight, knees bent, glutes and quads engaged. Lift the kettlebell up using your glutes and quads until your are standing tall, then release it back down using one smooth controlled movement.
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
3. Single arm row
From here, you want to pull the kettlebell up using your biceps and back muscles. You want to pull the kettlebell up and back a bit in order to fully activate the biceps and the upper back muscles. Once there, release the kettlebell back onto the floor and return to the starting position.
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
4. Kettlebell clean
You want to swing the kettlebell back in between your legs to gather some momentum and then swing it up and onto your shoulder. Make sure you have a firm grip on the handle and that you swing it around the wrist and not over the hand as you rest it on your shoulder. You don’t want to injure your wrist by banging the kettlebell against it all the time.
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
5. Squat
Once the kettlebell is up at shoulder height, perform a deep squat, bending the knees and keeping the upper body tall. Push from the glutes and the quads as you stand back up, using your core to stabilise yourself.
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
6. Strict press
Once you’re standing tall again, you want to push that kettlebell up until your arm is fully extended. Keep that shoulder engaged and your body and arm straight, especially when your arm is fully extended. You wouldn’t want to be unbalanced when you dangle a kettlebell over your head. Then, lower the kettlebell back down to the ground.
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
(Image credit: Eric Leija)
7. Kettlebell snatch
The final exercise in this flow is the most complex one too, the snatch. You want to use explosive yet controlled power all the way through the movement as you lift the kettlebell off the ground and raise it high above the head. Just like when doing the clean, you would like to rotate the kettlebell around gently so it doesn’t slam into your wrist every time you do a snatch. Finally, lower the kettlebell down onto the floor.
Once done with the flow on one side, repeat the same flow using the other hand. Keep alternating sides until the 40-second set is up.
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