Workout Summary
- Main GoalGeneral Fitness
- Workout TypeFull Body
- Training LevelBeginner
- Program Duration8 weeks
- Days Per Week3
- Time Per Workout15-60 minutes
- Equipment RequiredBodyweight, Kettle Bells
- Target Gender Male & Female
- Recommended Supps
- Workout PDF Download Workout
Workout Description
Kettlebell workouts are growing exponentially in their popularity.
And it makes sense. They’re versatile and functional – not to mention that if you have a kettlebell, you can practically take your workouts anywhere.
Which make them the perfect implement for summer.
Who wants to spend all their free time stuck inside when they could be out soaking up the sun and reaping the benefits of natural light exposure and vitamin D?
I know I sure don’t.
So today, we bring you a full body kettlebell circuit workout you can do anywhere this summer.
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The Full Body Kettlebell Circuit Workout
The intent of this program is to give you a solid full body workout to maintain muscle tone, promote functionality, while also giving you a break from being stuck indoors this spring/summer.
The circuit is simple in nature, but if you’re not used to circuit workouts it will provide a challenge.
Perform it 3xs per week. M/W/F or M/Th/Sat would be the ideal way to split up the workouts. Alternatively, you can perform it every other day.
The workout uses an increase in training volume as the primary form of progressive overload. You’ll begin with a rather low training volume (performing just 2 circuits) and add an additional round to the circuit every 2 weeks.
While doing so, put aside like $5-10 from your paycheck – because once you get to the 2 weeks of 5 rounds, it’s time to purchase a heavier kettlebell so it will arrive when you restart this program again.
In doing so, you add the progressive overload stimulus of the weight increase – while also providing yourself with a brief deload as you work your way through the program again.
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
1. Kettlebell Goblet Squat | 2-5 | 12 |
2. Kettlebell Row | 2-5 | 8 Each |
3. Push Up | 2-5 | 10 |
4. Kettlebell Romanian Deadlift | 2-5 | 12 |
5. Kettlebell Split Squat | 2-5 | 8 Each |
6. One Arm Standing Kettlebell Press | 2-5 | 8 Each |
7. Kettlebell Swing | 2-5 | 15 |
Quick Notes on the Kettlebell Circuit Workout
- This program isn’t about speed or moving a lot of weight. It’s about training key movement patterns from the comfort of your home.
- Perform each movement slowly and under control with a 2/0/2 rep tempo or longer.
- Focus on each muscle being worked during each movement. Focus on strong contractions and keep the body tight during slow eccentrics.
- This is a circuit workout, so there is no rest in between exercises. After you’ve finished the circuit, rest for 1-2 minutes.
- Pick weights that will challenge you. If you only have the option of using 1 kettlebell (or purchasing 1 kettlebell) pick a weight you’ll be able to comfortable perform your weakest lift with.
- Begin the program by performing 2 rounds of the circuit. Every 2 weeks add in an additional round.
- Once you’ve reached 5 rounds, invest into a heavier kettlebell and restart the program beginning with 2 rounds.
Conclusion
This program is simple, can be done anywhere, and will help get you results.
I’d recommend using it with maintenance level calories, or paired with a very slight deficit or surplus depending on your goals. Find your calorie needs with this bmr calculator and manipulate your calorie intake accordingly.
Feel free to pair this program with any cardio and additional core work you feel is necessary. Personally, I’d recommend pairing the kettlebell days with a form of HIIT cardio, and performing LISS, yoga, and any additional core work you’d like on your rest days.
The program duration is listed at 8 weeks, but as mentioned (by purchasing heavier kettlebells) you’re more than welcome to utilize this program much longer.
If you have any specific questions not addressed in the workout overview, please feel free to leave a comment in the comments section below!
21 Comments
What exercise hits biceps here? feel like my biceps aren't really getting worked.
Rows help with biceps in a secondary row, but you can curl a kettlebell as well. Throw in three sets of concentration curls with the kettlebell for similar reps.
I love this work out but is there a split day for kettelbells or the next step after this? I just don't want to only do one routine
I will pitch a suggestion for multiple kettlebell workouts for a future article, Victor. In the meantime, check this out and maybe it could provide some variety.
https://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/5-week-full-body-kettlebell-w...
Hello, is this program ok to do in the morning before breakfast? On empty stomach?
You can. Just take extra time to warm up, go at a slow pace, and drink water before going into it. 2 rounds on this should be plenty for an AM workout.
Hi, 5. Kettlebell Split Squat doesn't suit me even a similar alternative, can I use Kettlebell Goblet Squat twice?
As the first exercise and as the fifth instead of Kettlebell Split Squat?
Sure! Go for it, and let us know how the program goes for you!
Hi, quick question.
Are the pushups in this program regular pushups or kettlebell pushups?
Thanks!
Hi, David. Quick answer. Regular, but if you can do kettlebell pushups, do them!
Stuck at home with only a kettle bell - would it be too much to add a bicep only set to this circuit routine or is “everything” hit enough (doing core on off days) . Thanks you and keep cranking out awesome workouts!
Hey Ryan - everything is hit enough with this circuit. If you follow this program for a few weeks and are feeling that your biceps are not being targeted enough, you can add in 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps of a bicep exercise after the circuit (not as a part of the circuit).
Hi, you mention in the conclusion to pair this with a form of HIIT cardio - do you recommend to do the KB workout first then the cardio or the other way round?
Thanks
Hey Jon,
I'd recommend during the KB workout first, and then cardio. Hope this helps!
What kind of warm up should be used for this program?
Hi Chad,
In all honesty, when my wife and I performed this circuit for a while, our warm up would be the circuit utilizing a lighter KB and then we progressively went heavier the next 2 sets and performed the last 3 sets at a fixed weight.
We also tagged on a speed ladder circuit after we finished the KB circuits.
Hope this helps!
Hi Josh,
Could I do it more than 3 times a week, daily? I mean training Monday-Friday and weekends for rest. I'm on a balanced diet and I get a lot of sleep.
Hi Michal,
You could do it 2 days on 1 day off. However, I don't know that I'd personally recommend performing it anymore than that without a rest day to recover. Especially as you get to using heavier kettlebells.
Hope this helps!
Hi Michal,
You could do it 2 days on 1 day off. However, I don't know that I'd personally recommend performing it anymore than that without a rest day to recover. Especially as you get to using heavier kettlebells.
Hope this helps!
Hello,
Thank you for all the greats workouts plans you share here !
I have a question: is it possible to associate this 8 weeks plan with a pull ups/ dips progression plan ? My goal is to be more athleticous, I also want to be able to do more pull ups and, be able to do dips with more weight.
Hi Clement,
Yes, you can absolutely do that.
Hope this helps!