This Single Kettlebell Workout Will Build Total

With a single kettlebell and lots of creativity, you can build muscle, burn calories, and forge strength.

WHEN YOU'RE LOW on space, time, and patience, you'll find the most fitness success with a go-to routine that checks all the boxes without demanding too much other than the willingness to work.

Look no further than this program, which you can use as your main training plan for the month. All you need is a single kettlebell, which you'll heft to hit your lower body and posterior chain while also honing some explosive power. After running through the six movements, you'll understand that an effective workout doesn't have to be complicated.

Directions: Do this workout 3 or 4 times a week. Rest at least 1 day between sessions. On all other days, go for a 20-minute walk or run.

Directions: Do this warmup as a circuit. Do each move for 20 seconds, then rest 10 seconds. Complete 3 rounds.

Kneel on your shins, holding a kettlebell by the horns at your forehead, abs and glutes tight. Without moving your torso, move the kettlebell around your head clock- wise in a close circle. Repeat the process, now going counterclockwise. That's 1 rep.

Stand holding a kettlebell at your chest, the ball of the bell facing upward. Tighten your abs and aim to keep your hips and shoulders square to the front. Begin to march slowly, lifting each knee high; focus on not letting the kettlebell tip as you do. Do 1 set on each side.

Directions: Do this workout as a circuit. Do each move for 30 seconds, then rest for 60 seconds, then move on to the next exercise. Complete 3 rounds.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettle- bell in your right hand at your shoulder. Tighten your abs and glutes. This is the start. Press the kettlebell overhead. As you do this, rotate your torso to the left and turn your hips toward the left, pivoting onto the toes of your right foot. Return to the start. That's 1 rep. Do 1 set on each side.

Stand holding a kettlebell in your right hand, abs and glutes tight. Push your butt back and lower your torso until it's at a 45 degree angle with the floor. Keep the kettle- bell close to your shin as you do this. This is the start. Tighten your shoulder blades, then row the bell to your right hip. Lower with control. That's 1 rep. Do 1 set on each side.

Stand directly over a kettlebell. Push your butt back and lower your torso until you can grasp the bell with your right hand. This is the start. Explosively stand; as you do this, pull the bell upward. As it approaches chest height, bend your knees and pull the bell close to your body. Step your right leg back, lowering into a reverse lunge. Stand. That's 1 rep. Do 1 set on each side.

Stand about 2 feet behind a kettlebell. Push your butt back and lower your torso until you can reach the bell with your left hand. This is the start. Explosively pull the bell back between your legs, then stand and squeeze your glutes; this will propel the bell upward. Allow it to swing between your legs again; push your butt back as this happens, then stand and squeeze your glutes to begin the next rep. Do this for 15 seconds, then switch arms and go for another 15 seconds.

A version of this story originally appears in the April 2023 issue of Men's Health, with the title "ONE TOOL, 6 MOVES, ALL THE #GOALS."

Marcus Martinez, CSCS, is a master kettlebell coach who specializes in building total-body functional-strength workouts.

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