Kettlebell Abs & Core Workout for Beginners
A kettlebell abs & core workout for beginners that you can do with one kettlebell. 5 exercises, about 31 minutes, targeting abs.
| Level | Beginner |
| Equipment | Kettlebell |
| Time | About 31 minutes |
| Muscles | Abs |
The workout
| Exercise | Sets / reps |
|---|---|
| 1. Kettlebell Figure 8 | 3 × 15 |
| 2. Kettlebell Windmill | 3 × 15 |
| 3. Kettlebell Pass Between The Legs | 3 × 15 |
| 4. Crunches | 3 × 15 |
| 5. Dead Bug | 3 × 15 |
See each exercise
How to do this workout
- Warm up for 5 minutes: brisk walk or easy cardio, then one light set of the first exercise.
- Do the exercises in order. Finish all sets of one before moving on.
- Use a weight you could lift for 2–3 more reps than written. Rest 60–90 seconds between sets.
- Do this workout 1–2 times a week, with at least one rest day before training the same muscles again.
How to progress
When you can do every set with good form at the top of the rep range, add one rep per set the next week, or a small amount of weight (1–2.5 kg). Progress slowly — consistent small jumps beat big ones. For fat loss, pair this with a small calorie deficit and around 1.6–2 g of protein per kg of body weight.
Exercise notes
1. Kettlebell Figure 8
Place one kettlebell between your legs and take a wider than shoulder width stance. Bend over by pushing your butt out and keeping your back flat. Pick up a kettlebell and pass it to your other hand between your legs. The receiving hand should reach from behind the legs. Go back and forth for several repetitions.
2. Kettlebell Windmill
Place a kettlebell in front of your lead foot and clean and press it overhead with your opposite arm. Clean the kettlebell to your shoulder by extending through the legs and hips as you pull the kettlebell towards your shoulders. Rotate your wrist as you do so, so that the palm faces forward. Press it overhead by extending the elbow. Keeping the kettlebell locked out at all times, push your butt out in the direction of the locked out kettlebell. Turn your feet out at a forty-five degree angle from the arm with the locked out kettlebell. Bending at the hip to one side, sticking your butt out, slowly lean until you can touch the floor with your free hand. Keep your eyes on the kettlebell that you hold over your head at all times.
3. Kettlebell Pass Between The Legs
Place one kettlebell between your legs and take a comfortable stance. Bend over by pushing your butt out and keeping your back flat. Pick up a kettlebell and pass it to your other hand between your legs, in the fashion of a "W". Go back and forth for several repetitions.
4. Crunches
Lie flat on your back with your feet flat on the ground, or resting on a bench with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle. If you are resting your feet on a bench, place them three to four inches apart and point your toes inward so they touch. Now place your hands lightly on either side of your head keeping your elbows in. Tip: Don't lock your fingers behind your head.
5. Dead Bug
Begin lying on your back with your hands extended above you toward the ceiling. Bring your feet, knees, and hips up to 90 degrees.
More workouts like this
Gear for this workout
KettlebellSwings, goblet squats and carries: a full-body workout with one tool.Stop if anything hurts (sharp pain is different from muscle burn). If you have an injury or health condition, check with your GP or a physio first.