Iron Kettlebell Fitness

I often get asked about combining kettlebell training with other methods like free weights or body weight only exercises.  Should I do it and how do I combine these types of training together they ask.  The answer is absolutely you can combine kettlebell exercises and any other type of training that makes you happy.  (except machines)

You can without a doubt develop a great workout regimen that employs exclusively exercises with a kettlebell and become a better man, or women for it but as with anything, sometimes we need a break or a change of pace to keep things fresh.  In my own workouts, I use kettlebells about 75% of the time mixing up the types of lifts I do.  I segregate my workouts into two types; explosive type lifts and grind type lifts.  You can check out some of my recent post for more clarity on this type of scheme.

I divide my days up into light, medium and heavy days and then add a couple of variety days in between.  It is during these variety days that I like to mix things up a bit by doing some free weight work or some body weight only stuff like pistols or one arm pushups.  That is how I suggest most people divide up their strength training workouts and it has worked fantastic for me as well as for all those I have trained.  I also take the opportunity during variety days to stretch and work on my conditioning.

There are times when I don’t pick up a weight at all during a workout, instead concentrating on full body stretching, Indian clubs and shoulder mobility.  I would suggest that you consider this type of workout maybe once every couple of weeks to give yourself a break.

One thing of note, don’t go into your variety days without a plan.  Although they are called variety days, I like to stay consistent with the theme of my weeks workouts.  For instance, if I am in a grind cycle, I might perform a standard pistol which would be classified as a grind it out type of lift.  If I am in an explosive cycle, I might perform a Hindu squats which are more of an explosive type lift.  Not critical that you do it that way but it seems to work for me.

The long and the short of it is, as long as you stay honest to the principles of cycling your workouts, never training to failure, reps around 5 to build strength and limiting your workout time to no more then 45 minutes, you will make progress whether you lift exclusively with kettlebells or mix things up a bit with other types of strength training.  I’ve said it before and it bears repeating, don’t make your workouts more complicated then they need to be.  Stick to the core principles outline in my blog and good things WILL happen.

Kill It!

Dennis

See my Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill here.

P.S. – Have a question about anything I’m doing, email me and I’ll be more then happy to answer it.  ironkettlebellfitness@gmail.com

Before entering into a fitness routine, especially one that incorporates exercises with a kettlebell, be sure to consult with your physician or medical professional to be sure you are healthy enough to begin a strength and conditioning regimen.  Be sure to learn the proper way to perform each lift and complete each exercises in strict form employing a spotter when applicable.  In other words, if you hurt yourself, it’s your fault.