Kettlebell Rock

Hi guys! How’s the day going so far? It’s been a good one over here. It’s raining and it’s been absolutely glorious! This weather has me in the holiday spirit, so I have a holiday-themed kettlebell workout for you today.

You know what else goes well with this weather? A hot loaf of Paleo bread:

paleo bread

(I was out of flax seed so I used chia. It was delicious, but so is anything that can be used as a vessel for butter and honey.)

paleo bread with butter and honey

I also *tried* to get the house decorated for Christmas. For someone who talked so much about wanting to decorate early, things got too crazy packing and leaving for Tucson, and now we’re LATE. Now, I can’t even find the Christmas stuff in the garage after the move.  

I think the movers were messing with me. From the boxes marked “Christmas decor” I’ve found a ton of random photos and certainly non-holiday items. Like this box, which had a single wreath in it… and a sock, Sofia the First doll, book, dog bowl and dog toys. I’m not sure if I should be concerned that these were classified as “holiday decor” or that this box means these items were somehow all together in our Tucson house. Things that make no sense.

Wtf junk

The mantel is coming along, at least. 🙂

Christmas Mantel

Kettlebell Workout

Today, I have a fun (and intense) kettlebell workout to share! I’ve been wanting to post a kettlebell video for you guys, but I don’t have a specific kettlebell certification. (I’d love to get one in the future, or even take more kettlebell classes so I can make sure cueing and form is on point.) Instead, I reached out to my friend Brittany, who is a kettlebell pro. Literally. She participates in kettlebell competitions and can even go for 10 minutes without stopping. Pretty amazing stuff. She’s also a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer, so I asked if she’d like to do a video with me.

Kettlebell with britt

In the holiday spirit, this one is called “Kettlebell Rock.”

Kettlebell rock workout - a holiday workout to build strength and blast calories. fitnessista.com | #holidayworkout #kettlebellworkout #strengthworkout #quickworkout

Tips for Using a Kettlebell

-Go light and build up from there. In the video, I’m holding a 10-lb. kettlebell (and modify a few of the moves), and Brittany has a 22 lb KB. For swings, you may be able to go a little heavier, since you’re using power from your legs and glutes (strong muscles), and a heavier weight will help you stay in control.

-As always, check with a doc before making any fitness changes. Honor your body and modify as needed.

  

 

Let me know how it goes!

xoxo

Gina

More holiday workout quickies:

Six pack in a sweater

Holiday HIIT

Barre blast

Black Friday Frenzy

12 days of Fitness

Post Navigation:

35 Comments

  1. Julie on December 2, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    I did this tonight and loved it. I love kettlebells though and want more!

  2. Brynn on December 3, 2014 at 12:59 am

    I’m newer to kettlebells but really love how they work my body. Can’t wait to give this a try!

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:16 am

      let me know what you think!

  3. Michele @ paleorunningmomma on December 3, 2014 at 4:36 am

    That paleo bread with butter and honey is calling me! Going to try it for sure 🙂

  4. Lisa on December 3, 2014 at 4:50 am

    That bread looks delicious! Do you have the recipe anywhere?

    The Clashing Giraffe

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:16 am

      i think i linked to it 🙂

  5. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul on December 3, 2014 at 4:53 am

    Love the mantle! I hope you find your Christmas decorations soon! I still need to order our Christmas cards.

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:15 am

      i need to take pictures for our xmas cards haha

  6. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine on December 3, 2014 at 4:55 am

    Love kettlebells! I need a heavier one now! I still just have been using my 20lb I got for Christmas a few years ago! Time to up it!

  7. Christa @ Living Unablanced on December 3, 2014 at 4:59 am

    This looks like a great one! I did a KB workout today that kicked my butt…3 round of 100 double unders, 40 KB swings, 25 lunges = me on the floor dead.

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:14 am

      that sounds killer!

  8. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment on December 3, 2014 at 5:21 am

    I need some warm paleo bread right now! I have been doing a lot of swings and KB deadlifts in my works. They are awesome exercises. Look forward to checking out your video and thanks for the workout!

  9. Chelsa on December 3, 2014 at 5:31 am

    Thanks for the sweet new workout. I was needing something fresh this week!!

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:14 am

      let me know if you give it a try! 🙂

  10. Nicole @ Runs & WODs on December 3, 2014 at 5:43 am

    I have to try your paleo bread! I’ve been eating paleo for a few months now and always looking for new and delicious recipes!

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:14 am

      the one i linked to is SO good and super easy!

  11. Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious on December 3, 2014 at 6:29 am

    Definitely need to try that Paleo bread! I made a garlic and herb almond flax bread over the holiday and it was glorious.

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:13 am

      that sounds so delicious!

  12. Alex @ get big, go to work on December 3, 2014 at 6:46 am

    I’ve been loving cinnamon raisin toast with cashew butter, honey and molasses on top. Such an easy and delicious breakfast. You can never go wrong with a butter + honey combo!! You mantel is looking beautiful.

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:12 am

      that sounds glorious!!! breakfast today 🙂

  13. lucie on December 3, 2014 at 6:48 am

    I need to make this Paleo bread! On Saturday is Santa Clause celebration here in Europe and traditionally, we bake bread in form of boys and girls and I intend to make them paleo – I guess I will take your recipe!
    I love working wit Kettle Bells, Squat to High Pull is one of my fave exercises!

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:12 am

      what a fun tradition!!
      love squat to high pull, too 🙂

    • Brittany on January 5, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      Hi Lucie, have you ever tried a single arm squat to high pull? It’s a great challenging variation that helps you strengthen each side individually!

  14. Laura B @ FitMamaLove on December 3, 2014 at 7:22 am

    I love adding kettlebells to my routine. It’s so satisfying to swing them around. 🙂 Isn’t the rain glorious? It’s been so cozy up here! Unfortunately, it means our outside lights aren’t up yet because we can’t set the ladder down in all the mud. At least we have our mantle going too!

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:12 am

      the rain has been amazing!! it looks like winter but still feels like fall 🙂 the best!

  15. Caitlin on December 3, 2014 at 7:48 am

    Hey Gina!!!

    I’m doing a PiYo 60 Day Challenge, and today we had to post a picture of someone who inspires us that will help us get through the challenge. I said: Gina Harney of The Fitnessista blog. She has inspired me for a few years now-a military wife, mama of an adorable little girl, fitness instructor, author, blogger, etc. Her story is great and she has such a passion to help others truly live and celebrate a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

    Thank you so much for all that you do, you have no idea what a blessing you are!!

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:11 am

      that just made my morning. thank you so much, caitlin! <3 i know you'll rock out the challenge! sending lots of love to you. xoxo

  16. Sarah on December 3, 2014 at 7:48 am

    haha your boxes sound like mine! I pulled out a Christmas box last night and found stuff I hadn’t seen since college.

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 8:10 am

      hahah why does that happen?!

  17. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on December 3, 2014 at 9:07 am

    I’m certified by Kettlebell Athletics, yet I still don’t use them as often as I would like. The KB swing and KB windmill are my favorite moves. Thanks for sharing!

    • Brittany on January 5, 2015 at 7:08 pm

      KB Swings get you sweaty like nothing else! 🙂

  18. Layla on December 3, 2014 at 9:35 am

    I’m StrongFirst level I certified and primarily use KBs and barbells in my own workouts. I would definitely give you the advice to go much heavier on your swings! You are squatting a lot instead of hinging at the hips… the heavier weight will balance you out. You could definitely do it!

    • Fitnessista on December 3, 2014 at 3:41 pm

      yep, at home i use a 35 lb kb for swings and definitely prefer the heavier weight. the 10 lb was easier to bring for set-up 🙂

  19. Cassie Vaughn on December 8, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    Pretty decorations!

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.