You don't need sit-ups or crunches to work your abs and develop your core; instead, try this four-move kettlebell routine.
Crunches and sit-ups are classic abdominal exercises, but there are other options for building core strength. Use this four-move kettlebell routine to strengthen your core, work your entire body, and boost your metabolism.
All you need to get started is a kettlebell and some space. These versatile weights are perfect for home workouts because movements like kettlebell swings and presses work your entire body. Plus, a kettlebell is much easier to store than a full weight rack or multiple dumbbells.
This four-move routine comes from Rachel Sacerdoti, a fitness coach and founder of It's So Simple. She explains that kettlebells are her "favorite equipment and a brilliant tool to use for deadlift variations."
Rather than focusing on swings and upper-body movements, Sacerdoti's program is centered around kettlebell deadlifts, including conventional lifts as well as Romanian, sumo, and single-leg Romanian variations. You'll do 12 repetitions of each exercise and repeat the routine three times for a muscle-strengthening workout.
When you learn to do deadlifts with dumbbells, you usually hold a weight in each hand, but for this routine, you only need one kettlebell. This challenges different muscles as the weight is concentrated in a different area, helping to engage your core for stability and build lower-body strength.
Although the technique is similar between dumbbell and kettlebell deadlifts, you can follow Sacerdoti's demonstrations to perfect your form before starting. This is essential if you want to get the most out of your workout and avoid injuries, which can be a concern when training with weights.
Sacerdoti uses a 16 kg kettlebell for these four deadlift variations, but the goal is to find a weight that challenges your muscles without compromising your form. Adjustable kettlebells can help because you can quickly change the load, but they're generally more expensive than fixed-weight options like those you'll find in a gym.
If you want to put your new skills to use, this beginner kettlebell workout is a great starting point. You'll also do goblet squats, bent-over rows, and weighted lunges in addition to deadlifts. But one of the most impactful moves for working your entire body is the kettlebell swing.
Learning to do kettlebell swings is one of the best ways to build full-body strength, engage your core, and raise your heart rate to boost your metabolism and burn fat. Just make sure to maintain your protein levels to support muscle growth by adding one of the best protein powders for weight loss to your post-workout routine.
Come on, grab your kettlebell and get to work! You can do it, and remember, consistency is key for lasting results. Keep going strong!
