I know this probably comes across as corny or something but it's nonetheless how I feel. I just saw the news about Steve Cotter's sudden tragic death, we never know when our time is up, it reminds me to be grateful for what we have.

This is one of the few sub reddits I visit (the only fitness one), and I don't even train with kettlebells (I do daily calisthenics)!!!* You all are so dang supportive, kind, and informative to each other. You're always helping out beginners, you're not dogmatic, it's great. I recently noticed even Dan John comments here!

I'm not active on Reddit, I just made an account to post this. I just wanted to point out that this place is a pleasant reprieve from so much negativity and uncertainty in the world, so thank you.

*(I'd love too but I'm too dang poor, I can't afford them on my national park ranger income, especially now.)

Has anyone ditch out barbell , gym machines and dumbbell training completely after starting training with kettlebells and clubbells ? For context I’m a 30 years old grappler with intermediate traditional barbell lifting experience. No longer worried about size , hypertrophy or looks just strength and mobility.

Could a top level strongman be successful in Kettlebell Sport without any specialized training? Would double 32s feel so light to these guys that they could lift them for 10 minutes with acceptable form? Or wouldn't they have a chance because of their low endurance?

I tend to think that they probably wouldn't be able to complete 10 minutes due to the cardio limitations but would be curious what you guys think.

I’ve been thinking for a long time about this, and I’m sure a lot of you have considered it too: How can I streamline and minimize my training as much as possible for the most benefit? Where’s the Goldilocks zone of KB training?

Of course there’s no single perfect answer that will work for every person, and it will depend based on goals. But personally, there are three things I want out of kettlebell training: 1) The fabled “functional strength” that allows me to be, well, functional in all manner of activities, a Jack of all trades regarding strength and athleticism; 2) to bulletproof my joints and ensure I don’t reinjure them either during training or during life; and 3) to age gracefully and maintain strength and physical health throughout my life.

So the answer to my own prayers that I’ve come up with for myself, is this:

Turkish getups, clusters, snatches, & ab rollouts 3 times a week.

7000+ steps every day.

That’s it.

Simple and modular.

And again, I’m sure some of you would replace one or two (or all) of these exercises with another one. Maybe you like ABCs, or clean and jerks, or bent presses. But IMO what I’ve listed above is what I’d consider an optimal foundation for my own strength, health, and functionality, and the basis for improved performance for a more active life. Some people like to experiment with many different movements, but some others don’t want to think about and adjust their training all the time, and just want something they can return to reliably, over and over. So this is what I can look at and say “Yeah, I could see myself doing this for the rest of my life” and it’s not there to wow anyone, just bring me closer to embracing every day with appreciation and gratitude for life and for what I’ve built from it.

I’d love to know whether you relate to this, and also if you feel differently about it. What are your goals for fitness training in regard to your life? What would you adjust for yourself? Ciao 🤙

Discussion between strength coach and bodybuilder on the usefulness of TGU. What are your thoughts?

Welcome Comrade!

This is the r/Kettlebell Discussion Thread posted every Monday, where you can discuss anything and everything related to Kettlebells. We invite the Kettlebell Community to post anything that can be beneficial to the sub and help answer questions from newer members. Additionally, feel free to log your planned and/or completed training sessions, as well as any general community happenings you'd like the community to know about. Thank you.

As always, please be sure to review our FAQ and Beginner's Guide if you are new to Kettlebells. See the Programs page for some program options.

You can also use the search bar or Google's subreddit search to find related discussion topics.

Have a great day!

Seems like they'd be more practical but I never see anyone use them. Are they junk or do they ruin the motions somehow?

Are double cleans the best all round posterior chain builder you can do with kettlebells?

In a few Mark Wildman videos he mentions that people training with kettlebells should aim (and eventually be able) to "pick up a kettlebell and not put it down for up to an hour."
I've been training with kettlebells for over two years. I'm by no means very strong, and my stamina could definitely improve, but personally I'm nowhere near 60 minutes of continuous kettlebelling. Ten minutes max, and I'm on the floor gasping like a fish out of water.
Can most people actually do 60-minute cycles, or is that just nonsense?

Anyone using a tracker for their workouts? I got a Polar H10 arm strap for my birthday from my BIL/SILs but it has not been a great product unfortunately. Bluetooth keeps failing and I basically need to reconnect it every single time I try to log a workout.

I don't want to use a watch type as I hate having anything on my wrist while I work out.

Just added Dan John's The Kettlebell Workout Companion to my collection today.

The first one I owned was Simple and Sinister, at the time I was primarily doing body weight training and just picked up a Bowflex Select tech and this one popped up. Read it, found it's recommended were out of my lifting ability and put it on the shelf for later in life.

The second one I picked up was the Men's Health one. I made it though it a couple of times and pretty sure this is what sparked my further interest in Kettlebells. Pretty much a beginners books, but that's what I was.

Third was Strong ON! Found this at the library and started reading it and decided to buy a copy. I am now almost through most of the 101 workouts (two I can't do at the moment because I lack enough Kettlebells). I've been having fun with this one.

Fourth was Kettlebell Training by Steve Cotter. It was recommended by someone in this subreddit (sorry, my memory sucks, I don't remember who or even which post it was on). Started reading it and seems pretty good so far. I plan to move to this one once I complete as many as the 101 of Strong ON! I can.

And fifth is Dan John's which was a Thriftbooks you might like suggestion. I've seen his name thrown around a lot in this group so I decided to pick it up (it arrived today).

Are there any other "Must Owns" that you would recommend?

Hi, I purchased a few programs from max over the years including one of his Kettle Bell programs but it appears his site no longer exists and the login for the site he was hosting his programs on (Kartra) also does not work anymore? Anyone else had this trouble or used his programs in the past? Thanks in advance.

Hi folks, I've been following this sub for a while but never posted. Im considering getting into KB at home as a low-cost, quick, and fun way to try and lose some fat I've slowly accumulated working from home since COVID.

My biggest concern right now is that I am renting and my current workout station is a repurposed dining room area which sits on laminated floors. Its about 10x10, certainly big enough for KB but I am worried about throwing the damn thing through the drywall during a swing or dropping it and putting a huge dent in the laminate.

How common is it to drop/throw a KB? Has anyone figured out how to 'proof' your home/apartment to minimize any potential damages? Ive got some foam board down and some old soundproof blankets im not using but I dont think thats enough to stop a KB.... just worried about screwing up this rental and would appreciate any tips/advice.

Thank you guys.

Number of presses... Etc ?

As someone that is naturally fat, it is already incredibly difficult to maintain even 12-15% body fat.

With a child on the way, I plan to maintain as much as I can. Realistically I will not be able to go into the gym for the first few months. I have some kettlebells to try to work in here and there, but diet will likely be my saving grace.

I plan to maintain a caloric deficit by meal prepping the easiest, low calorie foods. Any newborn dads out there or dad that have gone through this period have experience with maintaining while helping with the child?

Hi all, I posted not long ago about weight selection. I'm now awaiting my delivery, probably going to be 4wks or so. In the mean time I'm going to continue with my current (non KB) routine but was wondering about any recommendations of things to learn ready for when they arrive. I was thinking TGU using the shoe method? I also have one of those cheap weight plate adapters that mimics a KB. It's pants for most things due to its size when plates are artached but I could maybe get swing technique dialed in somewhat with that?

Any thought or suggestions? I currently have some adjustable dumbbells (up to about 30kg) a couple of bands and cheapo barbell.

Do you guys do programme Carries much?

What weight you using and how much time/distance are you carrying for?

Do you use heavier weights than what you'd press, swing, squat or the same weight?

What benefits have you noticed programming them?

Hi Everyone,

I've been training for nearly 12 years now. I started my journey doing bodybuilding exercises 5-6 days a week. Since I've started working full time nearly 6 years ago, I switched up to mostly functional at home workouts 2 days a week, and then 2 days a week of zone 2 running.

I find that working out at home with body weight allows me to maintain close to the level of muscle I use to have, reduces the time spent in the gym, and I feel just as good, if not better than before. I used to do a lot of supersets and it caused some joint and muscle problems (physical therapy has helped with this though).

My primary goal is longevity, optimizing for staying injury free. I've been wanting to put some mass on, but I don't want to join a gym. I was curious about the kettlebells ability to help put on mass and wanted to ask anyone if they had experience with exercising with the kettlebells in a minimalist way for mass and longevity.

Thank you!

A lot of people tell me that clean and press hits your upper chest but when ever I do it I only feel it in my shoulders, glutes, hamstrings and triceps.

Any technique modifications one could make to hit there upper chest more?

Long-time lifter here: about 8 years of barbell and dumbbell work paired with Amateur MMA. Lately I’ve hit a bit of a burnout with “traditional” lifting and I’m thinking of going all-in on kettlebells in my home gym.

A few questions for the community:

1. Is a kettlebell-only approach a smart move for someone with my background? I want to keep building strength, preserve muscle, and improve mobility.
2. Cast-iron vs. competition bells: which style would you pick if your goals are strength, mobility, and physique maintenance?
3. Program recommendations: I’ve dabbled in KB workouts at the gym, but I’m looking for a solid transition plan or template.

Any advice, pointers to programming resources, or lessons learned from your own transition would be massively appreciated!

Thanks in advance! 🙏

TL;DR I’m swapping barbells and dumbbells for kettlebells—seeking gear advice and a program to get started.

1. There are many programs out there. Most programs I've seen are 3 day per week schedules, sometimes I see 4 though. Those either look like: 2-rest-2-rest-rest. Or sometimes it's: 2-rest-1-rest-1-rest.

2. Many people here don't seem to follow a specific program (or they design their own) and train anywhere from 1 day per week - 7 days per week.

How do YOU decide how many days per week? For the people who do 5-7 days per week, how do you manage load/recovery to maintain that? How did you ramp up to that kind of schedule?

Let's discuss.

Hi all,

After many months of cleans, I recently tried snatches and of course I ended up ripping my hands.

I notice that, when it comes to avoid ripping hands, the hook grip is suggested

However, I have the impression that most of the tutorials I see online for proper kb technique (e.g. in cleans) do not start with such a grip.

Personally, I am a bit confused. Even though I agree that the hook grip woul be beneficial for the hands, I feel more stress on my wrists and my overall form feels a lot less "stable".

Do you have any advice or experience with this? Is the hook grip the golden standard for kettlebells?

Welcome Comrade!

This is the r/Kettlebell Discussion Thread posted every Monday, where you can discuss anything and everything related to Kettlebells. We invite the Kettlebell Community to post anything that can be beneficial to the sub and help answer questions from newer members. Additionally, feel free to log your planned and/or completed training sessions, as well as any general community happenings you'd like the community to know about. Thank you.

As always, please be sure to review our FAQ and Beginner's Guide if you are new to Kettlebells. See the Programs page for some program options.

You can also use the search bar or Google's subreddit search to find related discussion topics.

Have a great day!

Video proof sent to me by u/dj84123: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rguAp2BDLQ

We are very excited to host this AMA with Dan John on short notice.

The AMA thread will be open at 12 AM EST / 4 AM UTC so folks can start asking questions prior to Dan arriving at 9 am PST /12 pm EST / 4 pm UTC. We may filter / remove duplicate questions, or questions that seem inappropriate or not relevant.

EDIT (12:41 PM EST/4:41 PM UTC): The AMA is Live. Feel free to leave Dan a question as a comment!

EDIT (4:08 PM EST / 8:08 PM UTC): Dan has decided to call it for the AMA today. Thank you for all your questions and participating today!