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Kettlebell Ab Workout: 10 Effective Exercises To Try In 2023

Christine VanDoren

Updated on - Written by
Medically reviewed by Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN

kettlebell ab workout
Kettlebells are great for training your abdominal muscles. Photo: Shutterstock

For some time, the kettlebell exercise regime has been a steadfast tool used in workouts. It can be effective in helping you unlock your core strength, enhance your physique, and level up your workout routine.

A kettlebell abdominal workout can be your ultimate game-changer in the quest for a well-toned midsection. Combining strength training with aerobic elements pushes your body to its limit, stimulating your muscles[1] and keeping your core muscles tight like no other. 

For those looking for a versatile routine that can be performed anywhere, a standing kettlebell abs workout is an excellent choice, requiring minimal space yet offering substantial results.When these exercises are paired with a balanced healthy diet and a potent fat burner, they morph into an even more effective weight loss strategy. This dynamic combination[2] can help you torch calories, trim your waistline, and bring you one step closer to achieving your fitness aspirations.

10 Best Kettlebell Ab Workouts For You To Try

Here are ten effective kettlebell exercises for stronger abs:

  1. Kettlebell Russian Twist.
  2. Kettlebell Windmill.
  3. Kettlebell Swing.
  4. Around the World.
  5. Kettlebell Plank Drag.
  6. Kettlebell Sit-Up.
  7. Kettlebell Leg Raise.
  8. Kettlebell Side Bend.
  9. Kettlebell Dead Bug.
  10. Kettlebell Half Get-Up.

10 Kettlebell Ab Workouts For Stronger Muscles

Kettlebell Russian Twist

kettlebell ab workout
This Russian Twist workout helps sculpt your waistline. Photo: Shutterstock

Instructions:

  1. Start by sitting on the ground with your legs bent and heels resting on the floor. 
  2. Hold a lighter kettlebell (about 5 pounds) at your chest, and lean back slightly. 
  3. Twist your torso to the left, then to the right, moving the kettlebell across your body and tapping momentarily on the ground for ten reps on each side.

Kettlebell Windmill

Instructions: 

  1. Stand straight, holding a kettlebell in your right hand, arms extended overhead. 
  2. Bend your hips to the left and reach for your left foot, keeping your left arm straight and extended overhead. Your arms may look like a windmill.
  3. Return to the starting position while maintaining a straight spine and stabilizing the weight at chest level. Breathe out as you exert force and in as you relax.
  4. Repeat with the opposite sides. Do eight reps on each side.

Kettlebell Swing

kettlebell ab workout
The Kettlebell Swing is also an effective ab workout. Photo: Shutterstock

Instructions: 

  1. Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a kettlebell in front of you with both hands. 
  2. Bend your knees, swing the kettlebell back between your legs, and then push your hips forward as you swing it up to chest height. Be sure to keep your arms straight the entire time.
  3. Repeat the kettlebell swings ten times for a set.

Around The World

Instructions: 

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a moderately-heavy kettlebell in one hand. 
  2. Pass the kettlebell around your waist to the other hand, then continue passing it around in a circle in kettlebell swings. Aim for a total of ten to 12 reps.

Kettlebell Plank Drag

Instructions: 

  1. Begin in a high plank position, with elbows flat on the ground and with the kettlebell outside your left hand. 
  2. Reach under your torso with your right hand, and drag the kettlebell to your right side. 
  3. Pause briefly when the kettlebell is directly below the right shoulder and behind the right hand.
  4. Repeat on the other side. Do eight reps on each side.

Kettlebell Sit-Up

Instructions: 

  1. Lay flat on your back with your legs bent and a kettlebell on your chest. 
  2. Perform a sit-up by tightening your core, keeping the kettlebell close to your body, and inhaling as you sit up.
  3. Slowly exhale as you return to the starting position. Perform this movement for 15 reps.

Kettlebell Leg Raise

Instructions: 

  1. Lay flat on your back, holding the kettlebell overhead. 
  2. Lift your legs to a 90-degree angle while inhaling, then lower them back down without touching the ground while exhaling.
  3. Do this exercise for ten to 12 reps.

Kettlebell Side Bend

Instructions: 

  1. Stand with a kettlebell in your left hand, with your right arm extended straight parallel to your shoulders. 
  2. Keeping your knees bent, bend your waist to the left, then return to the starting position. 
  3. Repeat on the other side. Do ten reps on each side.

Kettlebell Dead Bug

Instructions: 

  1. Lay on your back with a kettlebell in your left hand, left knee bent. 
  2. Extend your right arm and right leg as you exhale, then bring them back in with a deep breath. 
  3. Repeat on the other side. Do eight reps per side.

Kettlebell Half Get-Up

Instructions: 

  1. Lay on your back, holding a kettlebell in your right hand, with your right knee bent and foot planted on the floor. Your left leg should remain extended out.
  2. Place your right hand on the floor and use it for assistance as you tighten your abs and lift your torso off the ground, keeping the kettlebell overhead at all times as you inhale deeply. You should now be sitting up.
  3. Exhale as you slowly return your back to the floor at the starting position. Switch legs and arms and repeat the movement for eight reps on each side.

Benefits Of The Kettlebell Core Workout

Full-Body Workout

Kettlebell exercises are well-known for their ability to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This all-around effort increases your heart rate, making it an excellent calorie-burning workout.

Enhances Core Stability

Kettlebell core exercises involve lots of swinging and lifting, which requires balance. This promotes a stronger, more stable core, improving posture and body alignment.

Boosts Functional Strength

The natural movements in kettlebell training translate well into everyday life, improving your functional strength. It can help make daily tasks like lifting, bending, or pulling easier.

Promotes Cardiovascular Fitness

The dynamic nature of kettlebell exercises gets your heart pumping.[3] This cardio element can contribute to improved cardiovascular health.

Things To Consider

Just like any other fitness regime, a successful kettlebell workout plan requires some groundwork. Safety is always the most important factor to consider before taking your workouts to another level or introducing new techniques. Here are a few crucial factors to keep in mind.

Seek Professional Guidance

If you’re new to kettlebells, it’s wise to seek guidance from a fitness expert. They can teach you the correct form and technique, helping you avoid injuries and get the most out of your exercise regime.

Choose The Right Kettlebell

Kettlebells come in various weights. Select one that aligns with your current fitness level yet offers room for progression. As you get stronger, you can gradually move on to heavier kettlebells. 

If you’re wondering about the best kettlebell where to buy, many fitness equipment stores and online marketplaces offer a wide variety of options catering to all fitness levels.

Warm-Up And Cool-Down Are Crucial

A good warm-up prepares your body for the workout ahead, increasing blood flow and reducing the risk of injury. It improves your performance and allows you to get the most out of your kettlebell ab workout. A cool-down slowly returns your body to a steady metabolic state.

One key tip for any kettlebell exercise is to ensure proper alignment and balance, and, for example, that starts with your left leg planted firmly on the ground before you transition to the right.

Don’t Neglect Rest and Recovery

Rest is as important as the workout itself. Ensure you give your body ample time to recover after a challenging session. Rest days are essential for muscle repair and growth. 

You don’t want to train the same muscle group two days in a row, so be sure to plan on having a rest day in between. You also want to get at least eight hours of sleep per night to promote proper recovery.

The Takeaways

Incorporating a kettlebell ab workout into your fitness routine is more than just a change – it’s an upgrade. It pushes your body, especially your core muscles, in ways that traditional workouts often fall short of. It’s an overall amazing choice of workout.

Why?

Incorporating a kettlebell abs workout into your fitness regime strengthens your core and improves your overall body strength and balance.

The dynamic movements involved in kettlebell training, such as the kettlebell swing or the kettlebell around the world, work your muscles from multiple angles. This results in a more comprehensive, well-rounded workout that can yield visible results sooner.

Moreover, pairing kettlebell workouts with a nutritious diet, appropriate rest, and helpful supplements can expedite your progress toward your fitness goals. A holistic approach always prevails; whether it’s weight loss or muscle gain, kettlebell exercises will help you achieve these goals.

So, strive for consistent workouts, maintain a balanced diet, and care for your body. With time and consistent effort, you’ll see positive changes, whether your goal is to lose weight or build muscle with the help of a specific vitamin regimen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get abs with kettlebells?

Yes, kettlebell exercises work on your core muscles intensely. 
You can develop abs with kettlebells with consistent training, a nutritious diet, and adequate rest. Remember, those abs only show through if you maintain a healthy weight.

Is it OK to do ab workouts every day?

While enthusiasm is admirable, giving your muscles time to rest is essential. 
Performing ab workouts daily might lead to overtraining, hindering your progress. It’s usually recommended to perform ab workouts every other day for optimal results.

What is the hardest ab exercise?

The definition of hardest varies depending on an individual’s fitness level. 
However, in kettlebell ab exercises, the kettlebell Half-Get-Up is often considered challenging due to its complex movements and core strength requirements.

Are planks good for abs?

Absolutely. Planks are one of the most effective exercises for developing core strength. You can even try a plank variation using a kettlebell for added challenge and effectiveness.


+ 3 sources

Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here

  1. J. Asher Falatic, Plato, P.A., Holder, C.J., Finch, D., Han, K. and Cisar, C.J. (2015). Effects of Kettlebell Training on Aerobic Capacity. [online] 29(7), pp.1943–1947. doi:https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000000845.
  2. Clark, J.H. (2015). Diet, exercise or diet with exercise: comparing the effectiveness of treatment options for weight-loss and changes in fitness for adults (18–65 years old) who are overfat, or obese; systematic review and meta-analysis. [online] 14(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40200-015-0154-1.
  3. Budnar, R.G., Duplanty, A.A., Hill, D.J., McFarlin, B.K. and Vingren, J.L. (2014). The Acute Hormonal Response to the Kettlebell Swing Exercise. [online] 28(10), pp.2793–2800. doi:https://doi.org/10.1519/jsc.0000000000000474.
Christine VanDoren

Medically reviewed by:

Kathy Shattler

Christine is a certified personal trainer and nutritionist with an undergraduate degree from Missouri State University. Her passion is helping others learn how strong and healthy they can become by transforming their daily habits. Christine spends most of her time in the gym, hiking, painting, and learning how she can influence others through positivity!

Medically reviewed by:

Kathy Shattler

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