Welcome to Start TODAY. Sign up for our Start TODAY newsletter to receive daily inspiration sent to your inbox — and join us on Instagram!
Looking for an effective at-home workout that requires minimal investment? Snag an inexpensive kettlebell and you can create a home gym with a single piece of equipment!
A kettlebell is ball-shaped weight with a flat bottom and handle on the top. They have an odd center of gravity that requires you to recruit stabilizing muscles to do traditional exercises.
This is why when using kettlebells, you’ll be working your core-stabilizing muscles during every movement. So whether it’s an upper body, lower body or cardio exercise, the bell will turn it into a full-body workout. Plus, studies have shown that kettlebell training can improve strength, power and endurance and is especially good for developing a solid core and strengthening the back.
There are a ton of exercises that you can do while holding a kettlebell. You can make core and ab exercises more challenging by holding a kettlebell, and you can also work your arms and upper body by holding the kettlebell in one hand and using it like a dumbbell. From kettlebell swings that work both the upper and lower body to marching in place with a kettlebell, you’ll be able to add difficulty to lower-body exercises by holding the kettlebell, too.
Grab a kettlebell and give these exercises a try:
Russian twist
Sit on the floor with your knees bent in front of you and your feet resting on the floor (lift your feet slightly off the mat for a more advanced move). Hold the kettlebell at chest height. Begin slowly rotating from side to side, keeping your lower body and core still. Reach the kettlebell toward the floor on each side. Repeat 10 times to each side.
March in place with single arm hold
Stand tall with your feet hips-width apart, Hold the kettlebell in one hand. Raise that hand straight above your head and slowly march in place trying to bring your knees up to a 90° angle…
Read the full article here
