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Best Beginner Workouts With Kettlebells To Build Muscle Mass

About

Kettlebells provide a versatile training tool with their unique weight distribution, ideal for dynamic movements like swings and their application to standard lifts like goblet squats.

Hypertrophy-focused workouts employ a combination of compound exercises for multiple muscle engagement and isolation tasks for focused development, emphasizing moderate weights and higher repetitions to promote muscle growth efficiently.

Beginner-friendly routines include straightforward, low-risk movements designed for individuals with less than a year of experience, incorporating manageable weight to establish proper form while ensuring the potential for physical challenge.

This approach caters to fostering growth and building size effectively in a progressive manner.

The 8 Best Beginner Exercises with Kettlebells to Build Muscle Mass

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Kettlebell Upright Row

    Kettlebell Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    749,947
    Shoulders Strength
    95 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Upright Row targets your shoulders and improves muscle activation by allowing you to pull the kettlebell in different directions. It's a great way to build strength in your upper body while using a kettlebell.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Hold the kettlebell handle with both hands using an overhand grip.
    3. Pull your elbows up past your shoulders, keeping the kettlebell close until it reaches your upper chest.
    4. Lower the kettlebell back to the start position in a controlled manner.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 2. Kettlebell Row

    Kettlebell Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    781,099
    Back Strength
    93 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Row is a great exercise for strengthening your back. It involves using one kettlebell, which helps you focus on one side of your body at a time and improves core stability while maintaining posture.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a kettlebell in your left hand.
    2. Bend your hips back until your torso is at a 45-degree angle to the floor.
    3. Pull the kettlebell up towards your torso by bending your left elbow.
    4. Lower the kettlebell back to the starting position and repeat on the other side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 3. Kettlebell Alternating Row

    Kettlebell Alternating Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    573,967
    Back Strength
    91 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Alternating Row is a back-strengthening exercise that also works your shoulders and biceps. By alternating lifts, you give each side time to rest and focus, making it effective for building strength and muscle.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
    2. Hold a kettlebell in each hand at your sides, palms facing you.
    3. Bend at your hips to lean your torso forward, keeping kettlebells under your shoulders.
    4. Lift one kettlebell towards your body by pulling your elbow back.
    5. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the kettlebell back down.
    6. Switch to the other side and repeat.
    7. Keep your core tight and back straight throughout.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 4. Single Arm Kettlebell Deadlift

    Single Arm Kettlebell Deadlift demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    57,916
    Hamstrings Strength
    86 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Single Arm Kettlebell Deadlift is an exercise that improves strength and stability by using one kettlebell. This move targets your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back while working your core to keep your body steady.

    How to do it

    1. Hold a kettlebell in one hand.
    2. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
    3. Keep your back straight.
    4. Hinge at your hips and lower the kettlebell towards the ground, stopping just above the floor.
    5. Avoid twisting your body as you reach down.
    6. Engage your glutes and hamstrings to drive your hips forward and stand up straight.
    7. Switch to the other arm and repeat.
  • 5. Kettlebell Halo

    Kettlebell Halo demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    165,260
    Shoulders Strength
    90 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Halo is a simple exercise that works your shoulders and helps improve their mobility. It involves moving a kettlebell around your head, which also engages your core for stability.

    How to do it

    1. Stand up straight and hold the bottom of a kettlebell in front of your chin.
    2. Circle the kettlebell around your head from right to left, keeping it close to your head.
    3. Return to the starting position and then circle it from left to right.
    4. Repeat these circles for the desired number of times.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 6. Kettlebell Suitcase Deadlift

    Kettlebell Suitcase Deadlift demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    88,938
    Quadriceps Strength
    76 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Suitcase Deadlift is a single-arm exercise that works your legs and core. It helps strengthen your quads and promotes better balance by focusing on one side at a time.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms at your sides.
    2. Hold a kettlebell in one hand, keeping your arm extended.
    3. Keep your feet flat on the ground as you lower your body.
    4. Bend your knees and push your hips back, keeping your chest up and back straight.
    5. Lower down until your thighs are parallel to the ground and the kettlebell is near your feet.
    6. Push through your heels to return to standing, engaging your glutes and extending your knees.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    20lbs
    2
    8reps
    20lbs
    3
    8reps
    20lbs
  • 7. Kettlebell Sit Up and Press

    Kettlebell Sit Up and Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    219,940
    Abs Strength
    62 mScore
    Abs
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Kettlebell Sit Up and Press is a strength exercise that combines a sit up with an overhead press. It works your core and shoulders, helping to build strength in both areas.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, holding a kettlebell on your chest.
    2. Push the kettlebell over your chest as you sit up, bringing your torso to a vertical position.
    3. Lower back to starting position and repeat for your desired number of reps.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 8. Standing Kettlebell Calf Raise

    Standing Kettlebell Calf Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    64,194
    Calves Strength
    93 mScore
    Calves
    Photo of Kettlebells
    Kettlebells

    The Standing Kettlebell Calf Raise is an exercise that strengthens your calves while using kettlebells for added weight. By standing on an elevated surface, you can achieve a greater stretch and improve muscle activation in your calves.

    How to do it

    1. Hold a kettlebell in each hand.
    2. Stand with your feet on a sturdy elevated surface (like a plate) so your heels can drop off.
    3. Allow your heels to sink down, stretching your calves.
    4. Push through the balls of your feet to lift your heels up.
    5. Pause briefly at the top of the movement.
    6. Lower your heels back down slowly, keeping tension in your calves.
    7. Keep a slight bend in your knees and engage your core for stability.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs

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