The Kettlebell Solution
The Kettlebell Solution
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 04
KEY PRINCIPLES OF FBB 05
HOW TO USE THE WORKOUTS 08
LOADING CONSIDERATIONS AND TIPS 11
STRENGTH BALANCE WORKOUTS 15
COACH’S NOTES ON STRENGTH BALANCE 34
SKILL FLOWS / COORDINATION 36
COACH’S NOTES SKILL FLOWS / COORDINATION 53
PRE-FATIGUE 54
COACH’S NOTES PRE-FATIGUE 68
FINISHERS 69
COACH’S NOTES FINISHERS 85
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 86
WHAT’S NEXT 87
2
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
3
INTRODUCTION
K ettlebells are becoming more and more common in commercial gyms, hotel fit-
ness centers, and home gyms around the world - yet when we think “kettlebell
training,” only a few movements tend to come to mind.
There’s the swing, clean, snatch, press, and perhaps a goblet squat. But if you’ve in-
vested in kettlebells for your home gym or have access to even a small selection, you
could be missing out on an incredible opportunity to develop more strength, mobili-
ty, stability, and conditioning far beyond these common movements - all with an item
that can fit just about anywhere.
The explosive swings that one can perform with the kettlebell make it a great tool
K
for all levels of fitness to explore power and speed. Additionally, the kettlebell serves
as a very easy to manipulate weight for other slow and dynamic lifts. The size and
O
gripping options on the KB make it easier to navigate for many beginners than other
loading implements like the dumbbell and barbell. And the kettlebell can also chal-
lenge even the advanced practitioners, as you’ll see with some of the skill complexes
in this Ebook.
As a coach in fitness, I always look for training tools, formats, and methods that have
the most versatility across a broad range of contractions, skills levels, and training
stimuli. I have found few training implements that have as much versatility as the
kettlebell. That’s why I include kettlebell movements in almost all of my Functional
Bodybuilding programs.
The start of the pandemic in 2020 turned the world upside down and led many peo-
ple to turn to home training - and I was no exception. I gravitated towards the KB
and started to explore the seemingly infinite possibilities, and as my home training
sessions appeared on social media, I developed a reputation as the guy who was do-
ing kettlebell workouts in his backyard.
Over the course of these months I learned so much about training, the pursuit of
minimalist workouts, and how to leverage the kettlebell as a training tool. That expe-
rience, combined with years of building the Functional Bodybuilding methodology,
gave me the foundation to build these workouts and this Ebook. There is an entire
training approach and philosophy buried in this book. I am confident that this is just
the beginning of what is to come with the blend of kettlebells and FBB training.
4
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
After years of writing programs and developing several unique styles of kettlebell
implementation, I wanted to compile a central resource that would showcase many of
the best and most impactful kettlebell circuits, supersets, and flows I have used. I’ve
chosen to present these to you in mini workout form.
Ranging anywhere from 10-25mins, these isolated KB circuits hit a wide variety of
body parts. They are broken out into different training categories based upon what
the intent and goal behind each workout is. Some are focused on Strength Balance,
and others on Skill Acquisition. These distinctions are present to help give a general
idea of the purpose, but please keep in mind that any workout will train a blend of
different physical characteristics. I encourage you to make notes about how particu-
lar circuits make you feel and come back to the ones that have a particularly strong
carryover for you to how you love to feel when you move.
KEY PRINCIPLES
OF FBB
I always encourage my athletes to stay curious about the intention behind their
training, and to discover what works well for each of us as individuals - which can
change even from day to day. So by all means, go ahead and begin training - but
keep these principles in mind, and come back to them from time to time to notice
how they apply to your movement.
Skill Acquisition - The process of learning movement. This entails gaining new
motor skills and control over your body. It starts with connecting your mind and
muscles within movement. New skills then develop into repeatable patterns that we
can reproduce without thinking as we add more and more repetitions. Within a full
training program such as Persist, skill acquisition is planned over the course of one or
more training cycles, and revisited frequently over the course of time.
Load Placement - Where the loading implement sits relative to your body’s cen-
ter of gravity. Close to or far away from the center. Is the load in front, to the side,
above, or below the center of gravity? Do you need to hold the load with a bent arm
or a straight arm? All of these variables will impact the way the movement feels and
how you are challenged in your muscle contractions.
5
Movement Complexity - From isometric holds to multi planar compounds lifts,
we will explore simple and complex movements throughout these workouts. The goal
is always to provide a movement and exercise continuum that ranges from simple to
complex. You progress and regress along that continuum over time in training, and
depending on what your goals are at a given time. There isn’t just one way to move
and training isn’t always about being more complex. We will show you powerful ways
to implement the most simple contractions.
Time Under Tension - Fast or slow? How long you spend in a contraction will
greatly affect the stimulus of that contraction. We will look at the time spent in total
during an exercise, and more specifically we will evaluate.
Rest Periods - The level of fatigue you accumulate during lifting complexes can of-
ten be traced back to the amount of rest you accumulate between singular contrac-
tions or sets. With FBB we will explore different rest periods to stimulate different
adaptations. Shorter rest periods often equate to more fatigue and a different type
of metabolic stress on the muscle tissue.
Rep Range Variance - Low vs High Reps. This isn’t an argument over which is
best. They both have merit and we like to explore the full spectrum. Low reps often
allow for great brain drive and heavier or more complex lifts. Higher reps will create
a different level of muscle fatigue, lactic acid accumulation, and training adaptation.
Rep ranges combined with time under tension consideration give us a vast range of
ways we can tackle muscle contractions.
6
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
Foot and Hand Placement - Wide stance, narrow stance, mixed grip, close
grip…. When you start to adapt to only one position for your hands and feet you limit
your strength balance and you can hit plateaus quickly. With FBB we will vary these
elements frequently to allow you to explore the full range of movement possibilities
that you have.
Isolation vs. Compound Lifting - There is a time and place for both and it isn’t
until you have trained them all that you can say for certain which is most appropriate
for you. The isolation pieces that are incorporated into our KB workouts are a great
complement to the compound exercises that show up as well. The KB is a great tool
that allows for you to really tackle both with ease.
Brain vs. Brawn - Nervous system vs. Musculoskeletal system training. Are we
building your brain connections or your muscles and tendon connections? Is this lay-
ing the structural foundation of the body or help rewire the electrical circuits. Train-
ing is always a combination of both and one cannot happen without the other when
we move. However, with thoughtful design we can bias one side a bit more than
another and get different training results.
7
HOW TO USE
THE WORKOUTS
Within Persist - If you are a PERSIST participant then you will without a doubt be
seeing workouts like these show up in your training progressions every cycle. With
that said, it is nice to have a place where we can collect all the best supersets and
circuits from our time together in one place for easy reference. Think of this Ebook as
your highlight reel of KB workouts from FBB.
8
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
Added to another program - FBB has never been an All or Nothing approach
to training. From the earliest days of writing workouts and developing this method I
have strongly believed that even implementing a little bit can go a long way. Inject-
ing just a taste of Functional Bodybuilding into another training program can often
be enough to help you get even more from your current approach. By slowing down
and taking time in your training for 10-20 mins to focus on quality over quantity, you
can help prevent injuries, break through strength plateaus, and enhance your move-
ment. Consider using the various workout types in the following ways:
Pre-Fatigue - use these workouts as warm up/prep sessions for training days with
similar movement patterns to them.
Skill Flow - These flows can have a nice blend of strength and conditioning feel to
them and could be a perfect complement to a strength focused day you have in your
own programming. Also consider using some of these as Warm Up sessions to get the
brain firing before your session.
Finishers - If you are craving some isolation work for your core, upper, or lower
body, you can add any one of these to your training routine.
9
On their own: Sample 1-2 Week Template
Perhaps you are looking to build out a more complete training schedule with FBB
L
kettlebell workouts. Combining 2-3 of these workouts together can give you a more
complete training session for the day. Below is a 4x/week training template that will
provide you with a guide on how to approach building a week or two of workouts for
A
yourself.
Monday
Lower Body Pre-Fatigue + Lower Body Strength Balance (aim for 40-60mins)
Tuesday
Skill/Coordination Flow + Upper Body Strength Balance + Core Finisher (aim for 40-
60mins)
Wednesday
Rest
Thursday
Skill/Coordination Flow + Lower Body Strength Balance + Lower Body Finisher (aim
for 40-60mins)
Friday
Upper Body Pre-Fatigue + Upper Body Strength Balance + Upper Body Finisher (aim
for 40-60mins)
Saturday
60mins Cardio (hike, run, bike, some other work capacity training)
Sunday
Rest
Or progress your strength and skills and build visible muscle with a complete training
program like Persist.
10
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
LOADING CONSIDERATIONS
AND TIPS
What if I only have 1 kettlebell?
While a good percentage of the workouts in this Ebook call for two matching ket-
tlebells, it is quite easy to manipulate the movements to accommodate those of you
with just one kettlebell. Here’s how:
Suitcase Loading - You can either load with one KB in the Goblet position, or do
half the reps with a single KB in the suitcase position on one side and half the reps on
the other side.
Dual KB Rack/Overhead - Perform this as a single arm KB rack and do half the
reps on each side
Dual KB Sumo - Grab a single KB with both arms rather than one KB in each hand.
Dual Pressing (bench, floor, seated, standing) - You will only be able to
perform single arm variations of these lifts. Just perform the same number of reps on
each side.
11
Performance Points - Kettlebell Rack Position
The Kettlebell design lends itself extremely well to several different movements and
static hold positions. None more important than the rack position. This is when the
KB is nestled between your forearm, shoulder, and chest, and sits in a human rack
just below the collar bone and in front of the chest.
Common Errors
• Bent Wrist
• Gripping with Fingers
• Elbow Up
• Upper Trap Dominance
• Wrist/Forearm Facing Forward
• Bell Resting on Top of Shoulder
• KB Rack
• KB Overhead
• KB Suitcase
• KB Bottoms Up
• KB Horn Grip
• KB Hammer Grip
• KB Goblet
• KB Crush Grip
• KB Mixed Rack Overhead
• KB Mixed Rack Suitcase
• KB Mixed Suitcase Overhead (aka Cross Body)
• KB Supinated Horn Grip
12
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
Direct Work - when most people think classically about core and abdominal train-
ing, they think sit ups and crunches. This is categorized as direct work since the
contractions focus specifically on flexing the abdominal muscles through a range of
motion. These contractions are valuable and isolation work like this can absolutely
help develop strong core muscles and help shape your physique. The KB is a very use-
ful loading tool to help challenge you in these direct core exercises. We have many
sprinkled throughout this Ebook.
Indirect Work - performing a compound and complex movement like the squat,
particularly when loaded up heavy, requires that we work all parts of the body in-
cluding the core. Indirect core work is when we challenge the entire body and mul-
tiple body parts all at once under load or intensity, and by doing so we demand that
the midline and core musculature contract and support the overall movement.
Indirectly, the core muscles are trained through squats, deadlifts, swings, and many
more compound exercises. Kettlebells are one of the best training tools to elicit this
sort of indirect work because of the diversity by which we can use them in loaded
full body/compound exercises. If you wish to lift heavy kettlebells, or swing moder-
ate loads fast as in a snatch or a clean, then you must transfer power between parts
of your lower body to parts of your upper body.
The connection point is your core/midline. The more we develop the ability to
SWING kettlebells powerfully in different plans and patterns, the more we require a
strong core and midline connections. You will get a tremendous trunk and mindline
training impact even when you are just doing swings.
13
14
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
Strength Balance
15
Strength Balance
These workouts come in a variety of different formats. You will see SuperSets, Flows,
and Hypertrophy Giant Sets designed with more compound movements. The inten-
tion here is to deliver rep range, tempos, and movements that are designed to hit
parts of the Strength Continuum. The formats are designed in such a way that you
will be able to push intensity safely. Often the movements are designed with a uni-
lateral focus in mind to help build side to side balance in the body (hence the name
strength BALANCE). The other aspect of balance that we promote in FBB is movement
pattern balance. The variety you will see in these workouts will span pushing, pulling,
squatting, hinging, and core in many different planes and at many different angles.
You are only as strong as the ranges and positions you train. We will aim to keep you
BALANCED by attempting to leave no position or pattern of movement untouched.
Workout Characteristics
• 15-25min Time Range
• Lots of use of TEMPO resistance training to manipulate the Strength and Hypertro-
phy focus
• Specific rest periods that intentionally are short or long to set you up for fatigued
or non-fatigued lifting situations.
• Require the athlete to pay attention to details in the workout prescription to get
maximal benefit
• If you are overwhelmed by the tempos and rest periods then for starters just get
the work done - come back later to build complexity when you’re comfortable.
• SuperSets are common and in many cases you will feel a clear muscle group that
is being taxed more than the others.
• Typically there are 3-5 exercises per workout.
16
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
SUPERSET #1
3-4 Sets
1. KB Filly Press; 30X1; 4-6/arm
rest 30sec
2. Gorilla Row; 30X1 x 4-6/arm
Rest 60sec and back to 1
SUPERSET #2
3-4 Sets
1. Seated KB See-Saw Press; 2sec down 4-6/arm
rest 30sec
2. Top Down Gorilla Row; 2sec down x 4-6/arm
*isometric at the top and lower to begin the lift
Rest 60sec and back to 1
4 ROUNDS:
1st - Deadlift Russian Swing Ladder. Perform these movements back to back. Contin-
ue alternating until you’ve performed the desired rep pyramid.
1 Sumo Deadlift
1 Swing
2 DL
2 Swings
3,3,4,4,3,3,2,2,1,1
rest 30sec
2nd - 10 Single-arm Russian Swings/arm
Directly into
3rd - 10 Reps Goblet Clean to Reverse Lunge (5/leg)
rest 90sec and back to 1st.
17
BACK AND ABDOMINAL ATTACK
3-4 SETS:
1. KB Horn Grip Russian Twist 10-12reps/side
rest 30sec
2 Tripod KB Elbowing Row 10-12reps/arm
rest 30sec
3. KB Horn Grip Russian Twist - 10-12reps/side
rest 30sec
4. Tripod KB Hip Row - 10-12reps/arm
rest 2mins and back to 1
*Horn Grip Russian Twist - Gripping the KB by the horns and holding the elbows at
about 45 degrees will tax the biceps during the russian twist as well. This will be a
bicep isometric contraction.
*Elbowing Row - Row the KB wide with Elbow at 90 degrees from torso. You should
feel this in your rear shoulder/deltoid aries.
*Hip Row - Row the KB towards the Hip! By rowing towards the hip you should feel
the lat engage more.
18
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
4 SETS:
1. 1-1/4 Suitcase Split Squat x 8/leg
rest 30sec
2. 1-1/4 Deficit KB RDL 10-12reps
rest 30sec
3. Split Stance Crossbody KB RDL - 8-10/leg;
rest 2mins and back to 1
SUPERSET #1
3-4 Sets
1. Seated Alternating KB Press; 2sec lowering; 4-6/arm
rest 30sec
2. See Saw Gorilla Row; 2sec lowering 8-10reps
*both bells move together
rest 60sec and back to 1
SUPERSET #2
3-4 Sets
1. Seated Alternating KB Press Top Down; 30X0; 4-6/arm
rest 30sec
2. Tall Plank Alternating Row; 30X0 x 4-6/arm
rest 2mins and back to 1
19
GIANT SET - CHEST 3 WAYS
4 SETS:
1. KB Incline Chest Press; 30X0 x 6-8 reps
rest 15sec
2. Deficit KB push Up; 20X0 x 8-10reps
rest 15sec
3. Crush grip floor press; 10X0; 10-12reps
*Grip the KB from sides on the round portion of the bell, squeeze hard as you press
up and down on your back. Great for an adduction biased press variation like a fly.
rest 2-3mins and back to 1
Creativity was tested in 2020. Lockdowns meant training with limited equipment for
many. We chose to not fall victim to the same routines. What it took? A little creativi-
ty. This simple KB superset will provide a massive chest pump. All you need is a set of
Kettlebells and a med ball/sandbag/small stool.
3 SETS:
1st - Rear Foot Elevated Single Leg Single Arm RDL @ 20X0 x 6-8/leg
rest 45sec
2nd - Goblet Kickstand Pistol Squat @ 20X0 x 6-8/leg
rest 45sec
3rd - Goblet Curtsy Step Down x 12/leg
rest 2mins and back to 1st
*Choose a lower box on the final exercise. This should be below knee height. With
the range of motion we are after, it is best to not overdo the height and twisting of
the knee at the same time.
20
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
Notes: The Cossack Lunges can be a limiter for loading. You may feel
capable of going up in weight but be restricted by this final exercise.
4 SETS:
10 Dual Russian Swings
8 Dual Cleans
6 Dual Rack Alternating Reverse Lunge
4 Dual KB Thrusters
2 Dual Rack Cossack Lunges/leg
- Complete the full sequence without a break!
Rest 90-120sec between sets
*Work up to the most challenging weight you can complete this complex at unbroken
for the day.
21
POSTERIOR CHAIN BLAST
4 SETS:
1st - Deficit Dual KB Sumo Deadlift 21X1 x 5-7 reps
rest 30sec
2nd - Dual KB Romanian Deadlift @ 20X0 x 8-10 reps
rest 30sec
3rd - Banded Russian KB Swings x 15 Reps
rest 90sec and back to 1s
SUPERSET #1
3-4 Sets
1. Suitcase Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat; 30X1; 4-6/leg
rest 30sec
2. Single Arm KB Rear Foot Elevated Single Leg RDL; 30X1 x 4-6/side
rest 60sec and back to 1
SUPERSET #2
3-4 Sets
1. KB Rack Split Squat; no tempo 6-8/leg
rest 30sec
2. Split Stance KB Cross Body RDL no tempo x 6-8/leg
rest 60-90sec and back to 1
22
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
4 SETS:
10 Alternating KB Rack Cossack Squats
8 Alternating KB Rack Reverse Lunge
6 Alternating KB Thrusters
4 KB Rack Squats
- Complete the full sequence without a break!
Rest 90-120sec between sets
*Work up to the most challenging weight you can complete this complex at unbroken
for the day
23
GIANT SET WITH CHALLENGING LOAD POSITIONS AND ROTATION
3 SETS:
1. KB Mixed Rack Overhead Split Squat; 30X1; 4-6/arm
rest 30sec
2. KB Death March; 30X1 x 4-6/leg
rest 30sec
3 KB Cross Body Reverse Lunge; no tempo 10-12reps
rest 30sec
4. Narrow Stance KB Rotational Deadlift; no tempo 10-12reps (5-6/side)
rest 2mins and back to 1
3 SETS:
1. Leg Behind Goblet Pistol Squat 30X0; 4-6/arm
rest 30sec
2. KB Hammer Grip Push Ups; 30X0 x 4-6/leg
Rest 30sec
3 Horn Grip Narrow Stance Squat; no tempo 10-12reps
rest 30sec
4. Supine KB Horn Tricep Extension; no tempo x 10-12reps
rest 2mins and back to 1
24
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
3 SETS:
1. See-Saw KB Floor Press x 8-10 reps (2 sec down)
rest 30sec
2 Diamond KB Push-Ups x 8-10 reps (2 sec down)
rest 30sec
3. Crush Grip Floor Press x 8-10 reps (2 sec down)
rest 30sec
4. Inclined KB Push Ups x no tempo 12-15 reps (NO TEMPO)
rest 2-3mins and back to 1
FUNCTIONAL KB CHEST DAY - The aim with a Hypertrophy Giant set is to get a
high volume of contractions on a single muscle group. In this case we are targeting
the chest with several different movements that explore closed chain, open chain,
slow, fast, and varied angle pressing. The result is local muscle fatigue that com-
pounds and provides a metabolic stress to the muscle group we are targeting that
results in cellular breakdown and subsequent growth.
25
ROTATION + UNILATERAL HIPS AND CHEST STABILITY
SUPERSET #1
3-4 Sets
1. Hollow Body Single Arm Bottoms Up KB Floor Press 20X0 x 8 reps + Single Arm Bot-
tom Up KB Deadbug 20sec; rest as needed between arms
rest 30sec
2. 6-8 Complexes/arm (Split Clean + Split Snatch); rest as needed between arms
rest 60sec and back to 1
SUPERSET #2
3-4 Sets
1. Single Leg Glute Bridge Single Arm KB Floor Press; 2020 6-8/side
rest 30sec
2. Cross Body KB Rotational Clean 8-10/side
rest 60sec and back to 1
2. Get away from bilateral exercises and hit some unilateral stuff -
don’t fall victim to doing the same double leg or double arm exer-
cises all the time. Unilateral builds strength and protects against
injury.
3. Skilled complexes and flows - challenge your brain with fun and
coordinated movement flows that raise the heart rate and chal-
lenge your muscular endurance.
26
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
SUPERSET #1
3-4 Sets:
1. Glute Bridge Single Arm KB Floor Press: 30X1 Tempo; 6-8reps
rest 30sec
2. Crush Grip Row to Deadlift: 8-10 Complexes
rest 60sec and back to 1
SUPERSET #2
3-4 Sets:
1. Single Arm KB Floor Press w/Iso Hold in Opposite Hand: 2010 Tempo; 6-8/arm
rest 30sec
2. KB Horn Grip Twisting Clean: 6-8/side
rest 60sec and back to 1
27
A COMPLEX OF MOVES + LOWER BODY MOBILITY
4 SETS:
1st:
KB Mixed Rack Overhead Squat: 6 reps R
KB Mixed Rack Overhead Squat: 6 reps L
Half Kneeling KB Clean: 8 reps R
Half Kneeling KB Clean: 8 reps L
rest 45sec
2nd:
KB Cross Body Sumo Squat: 6 reps R
KB Cross Body Sumo Squat: 6 reps L
KB Goblet 90/90 Hip Rolls: 6/side
rest 90sec and back to 1st
28
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
SUPERSET #1
3-4 Sets:
1. Cyclist Single Arm KB Rack Kickstand Squat: 30X1 Tempo; 4-6/arm
rest 30sec
2. Glute Bridge + Single Arm Glute Bridge Chest Press: 6-8 complexes Right Arm
rest 60sec and back to 1
SUPERSET #2
3-4 Sets:
1. Cyclist KB 1-1/4 Back Squat: 2020 Tempo; 8-10reps
rest 30sec
2. Glute Bridge + Single Arm Glute Bridge Chest Press: 6-8 complexes Left Arm
rest 60sec and back to 1
Cyclist Squats - The simple trick of elevating your heel an inch or two can dra-
matically change the mechanics of your squatting. This in turn can help athletes
overcome ankle mobility limitations as well as place a greater demand on your quad
muscles. Both of these can be advantageous in training and here are a few simple KB
contractions you can try to test it out.
29
BALANCE & POSITIONALLY UPPER/LOWER COMBO
SUPERSET #1
3-4 Sets:
1. Leg Behind Goblet Squat: 30X1 Tempo; 4-6/arm
rest 30sec
2. Straight Leg Hip Lift Single Arm Floor Press: 20X0; 6-8/arm
rest 60sec and back to 1
SUPERSET #2
3-4 Sets:
1. Cyclist Single Arm Overhead Squat: 2020; 5-6/arm
rest 30sec
2. Seated Single Arm KB Press: 6-8/arm
rest 60sec and back to 1
F O R T I M E @ S T R E N GT H E F F O RT: R E P E-
TITION ROUNDS OF:
14-12-10-8-6-4-2
KB Deadlifts 70/53lbs suggested load
Goblet Leg Behind Pistol (half the reps on each leg) 70/53lbs
Tall Plank KB Row (half the reps on each arm) 70/53lbs
For Time @ Strength Effort - When these Strength Balance Repetition Rounds
are performed at a Strength Effort we move with insufficient rest, but slow enough
to maintain quality of movement. The added fatigue will add a bit of metabolic stress
that enhances the hypertrophy effect of these movements. Change the suggested
load if needed for this intent.
30
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
4-5 SETS:
1. Single Arm Glute Bridge KB Bench Press: 21X1 Tempo; 6-8/arm tough
rest 30sec
2. Single Arm Bottoms Up KB Floor Press: 8-10/arm
rest 30sec
3. Tall Kneeling Hip to Halo: 8-10/side
rest 2mins and back to 1
I have loved using kettlebells as a loading implement for my training in the past year
or so. There are thousands of ways to use a kettlebell, many of which cannot be repli-
cated easily with other tools.
Here is a functional way to achieve the same type of shoulder chest pump you would
get in a traditional bodybuilding workout. The difference is at the end you have ex-
plored more range of motion with your shoulders, had to stabilize and work positions
more, and have incorporated more of your brain coordination than typical machines
and dumbbells.
31
CHEST HYPERTROPHY GIANT SET
SUPERSET #1
3-4 Sets:
1. Single Arm KB Floor Press w/Isometric Hold: 20X0 Tempo; 6-8/arm
Rest 15sec
2. Narrow Grip KB Push Up: 20X0; 8-12reps
rest 75sec and back to 1
SUPERSET #2
3-4 Sets:
1. 1-1/4 Dual KB Floor Press: 4-6reps
rest 15sec
2. Deficit KB Bell Grip Push-Ups: 8-12reps
rest 75sec and back to 1
The four variations are designed to hit different angles of the chest and stress the
muscle tissue to grow in different ways:
2. This narrow grip push up at a slight incline is terrific for the lower
and inner chest. Plus the triceps get an amazing hit too.
3. This added range of motion work puts a large stress on the triceps
and the anterior delts to go along with the chest.
4. Changing how you grip the KB with more of an open palm will
change the way you recruit your upper extremity muscles and chest.
32
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
4 SETS:
1. Banded 90/90 KB Bench Press: 8-10reps; 20X0 Tempo
rest 30sec
2. Banded KB Chainsaw Row: 8-10/arm; 20X0
rest 30sec
3. 90/90 KB Tricep Extensions: 8-10reps; 20X0
rest 90sec and back to 1
3 SETS:
1. Single Arm Rack Drop Lunge: 8-10reps; 20X0 Tempo R
rest 15sec
2. Single Arm Rack Drop Lunge: 8-10reps; 20X0 L
rest 15sec
3. Single Arm Suitcase Split Squat: 6-8 reps; 20X0 R
rest 15sec
4. Single Arm Suitcase Split Squat: 6-8 reps; 20X0 L
rest 15sec
5. Single Arm KB Rack Concentric Single Leg Bias Squat: 4-6reps; 20X0 R
rest 15sec
6. Single Arm KB Rack Concentric Single Leg Bias Squat: 4-6reps: 20X0 L
rest 2-3mins and back to 1
33
COACH’S NOTES ON
STRENGTH BALANCE
All about rest - why we rest, and how to use rest as
a control point if you don’t have quite the right KB
weight for the workout:
Rest periods are built into our Strength Balance workouts in order to control the
amount of fatigue you have between exercises. Depending on the level of fatigue you
are experiencing when going into a new exercise, the outcome and stimulus that you
receive can change dramatically. Fatigue levels will impact the quality of your move-
ment, the loads you are capable of lifting, and ultimately whether or not you have a
strength, muscle endurance, or lactic stimulus in the local muscles.
Longer rest periods mean more complete recovery and less fatigue. This can promote
better motor control, technique, and give you a better shot at hitting higher strength
numbers in your lifting relative to the exercise being performed.
Shorter rest periods mean you will likely have a harder time executing optimal tech-
nique, it may require great muscle recruitment for lower loads, and you have a great-
er likelihood of accumulating lactic acid in the muscles.
Neither is better than the other, it just matters that you get the desired stimulus
when you perform these exercises. One consideration is that if you don’t have a wide
range of kettlebells to choose from and you are limited to only one weight selection,
you may not be able to experience the full benefits of varied rest periods. While a
longer rest would normally mean you can lift heavier weights, if you are limited by
equipment, then a longer rest may not be necessary. So how should you navigate
this?
15-30sec Rest - These are meant to be short and incomplete. If you are using low
loads then you can shorten these as needed to achieve the “INCOMPLETE” recovery
feeling. If you are forced to only lift with heavier loads, these short rests can be ex-
tended slightly to 40sec in order to keep quality high.
60-120sec Rest - These are meant to be longer and more complete rest periods.
If you are using low loads, then simply rest until you feel fully recovered which may
be closer to the 45-60sec mark. If you have access to heavier loads and a variety of
bells, then you are good to stick to the prescribed rest periods.
34
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
TEMPO - Slowing down the tempo will make lighter weights feel heavier and vice
versa. Speed up a tempo if the bell you are using is too heavy. Remember that hitting
the proper tempo is IDEAL whenever possible.
REP RANGE - Increase the rep range by 30-50% if the load is too light and de-
crease by 30-50% if the load is too heavy. 10 reps becomes 13-15 reps if it is too
light, or becomes 5-7 reps if it is too heavy.
REST PERIODS - If you are struggling to keep up with the prescribed rest periods
because the load you are lifting is heavier than you would ideally like it to be, then
extend them by 15-30sec each. Alternatively, if the load is too light you can error on
the side of shorter rest periods.
LOAD PLACEMENT - Where the load sits relative to the body can increase or de-
crease the difficulty of a movement. If the load you are working with is too easy or
difficult you can consider progressions and regressions in loading. An example would
be you are being asked to perform a Goblet Reverse Lunge. The load you have is
relatively light and you don’t feel like you are getting the stimulus you want. You can
progress this loading pattern to a Single Arm KB Overhead Reverse Lunge as an exam-
ple and make the overall difficult increase. Loads further from your center of gravity
usually accomplish the task of making an exercise more difficult.
35
Skill Flows/Coordination
36
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
Skill Flows/Coordination:
These workouts are designed to challenge both your brain and brawn. Your brain
(or nervous system) develops when you challenge it with new skills and tasks. Your
brawn (or musculoskeletal system) develops when the movements you use are suffi-
ciently simple such that you can apply sufficient contractile intensity to the working
muscles. More simply put, if the movement is hard to get the technique right with,
then your brain is likely trying to develop. If the movement is simple enough that
technique isn’t a limitation and instead you can push the weight or intensity, then
your brawn is likely developing.
Skill flows begin with brain and coordination adaptations. You will see new move-
ments, combine exercises in new ways, and generally take some time to get the hang
of these. As you develop new skills and expand your movement library by practicing
regular movement exploration, you can expect to have greater coordination and con-
fidence with the KB in all movements.
Now with greater motor control and confidence comes the ability to train heavier
and harder and thus build more muscle and fitness without injury. The brain precedes
the brawn in these workouts, but the challenge of learning new skills can be fun and
very rewarding in and of themselves.
Workout Characteristics
• 15-25min Time Range
• We don’t use TEMPO prescriptions in these flows as we want things to remain flu-
id and connected between movements.
• Rest periods are meant to allow you to recover enough to get quality reps in but
also short enough to make these workouts feel like continuous work and sweat.
• The number of exercises in each workout can vary widely and go up to as many as
10-12. If you get overwhelmed having to remember too many different exercises,
then search for Skill Flows with fewer total exercises at first.
• Specific workouts in this category will bias your conditioning and be designed
to get your heart rate and breathing up! They will be noted with CONDITIONING
BIASED.
37
*Hover over movement names
for Demo Video Links
3 SETS:
1. 90/90 Legs Single Arm KB Floor Press w/Isometric Hold in Opposite Hand: 4-6/arm
rest 30sec
2. Low Switch Rotational Lunges: 6-8/side
rest 30sec
3. 90/90 Legs Alternating KB Floor Press (Bottom Up): 4-6/arm
rest 30sec
4. Rotational Clean to Forward Lunge: 6-8/side
rest 60sec and back to 1
*Bottom Up loading refers to holding the non working arm at the bottom of the rep,
as opposed to Top Down.
38
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
STRENGTH BIAS
1ST - 4 SETS:
5 Split Stance Russian KB Swing R
4 Split Snatch R
3 Single Arm Overhead Squat R
5 Split Stance Russian KB Swing L
4 Split Snatch L
3 Single Arm Overhead Squat L
rest 30-45sec between sets
then move to
2ND - 4 SETS:
5 KB Snatch R
5 Single Arm KB Thruster R
5 KB Snatch L
5 Single Arm KB Thruster L
10 KB Sumo Jump Squats
rest 30-45sec between sets
39
SPLIT STANCE DRILLING
O N E A F T E R T H E N E X T:
1. 6-8 Complexes/arm Split Stance Swing to Snatch
rest 30-45sec between arms x 2-3 sets each
*requires great balance hip extension power
then move to
2. 12-14reps Split Swing Switches
rest 45sec between sets x 3 sets total
*adding in footwork to develop coordination and balance.
then move to
3. 6/arm Split Clean into Kneeling Power Press
rest 30-45sec between arms x 2-3 sets each
*This is another dynamic footwork drill combined with a dead stop power press. Per-
form this by starting from a paused position on the shoulder and pressing as HARD
and FAST as you can.
40
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
SINGLE LEG
O N E A F T E R T H E N E X T:
10 Leg Pass to Split Clean and Goblet Press (5/side alternating)
rest 45sec x 4 sets
THEN
10 Alternating Bottoms Up Switch Clean with Single Leg March Hold (hold 2sec at the
top of each rep)
rest 45sec x 4 sets
THEN
10 Alternating Split Clean to Halo Flow
rest 45sec x 4 sets
KB FLOWS - Why complex movements? I got the question in our FBB Facebook
Group about why we need to have complex movements in our training like these KB
Flow Skills. The truth is that you don’t have to. But I like them for the following rea-
sons:
3. When you develop them as second nature skills you will find that
they are a great way to warm up and get in some loaded condi-
tioning sets.
41
ROTATIONAL 3 WAYS
O N E A F T E R T H E N E X T:
6/side KB Bottoms Up Split Snatch to Windmill - Grip, timing, rotational flexibility,
and core strength.
rest 30sec between arms x 3 sets
THEN
12 KB Switch Snatch 180’s - Grip, hip speed, and footwork
rest 45sec between sets x 3 sets
THEN
8/arm Half Kneeling KB Clean to Windmill Press
rest 30sec between arms x 3 sets
FANCY KETTLEBELL MOVES - Sometimes the movements that look the coolest
aren’t necessarily the best for your fitness. The cool thing about these KB moves is
that while they may look fancy, if done at light enough loads they can really support
building great coordination, hip speed mechanics, and mobility.
42
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
O N E A F T E R T H E N E X T:
1. 10 Russian Swing to Goblet Squat (with Flip to connect the two movements)
rest 30-60sec x 4 sets
THEN MOVE TO 2
2. 3 Single Arm KB Bent Over Row + 3 KB Snatch + 3 Single Arm KB OHS
rest 30sec between arms x 4/side
THEN MOVE TO 3
3. 4 Alternating KB Bent Over Row + 4 Dual KB Clean + 4 Alternating KB Press
rest 30-60sec x 4 sets
O N E A F T E R T H E N E X T:
10 Complexes (Switch Stance Ballistic Row + Split Stance Row)
rest 30-60sec x 4 sets
THEN
4 Complexes/arm (Split Stance RDL + Split Stance High Pull + Split Stance Snatch
from Floor)
rest 30sec between arms x 4/side
THEN
4 Complexes/arm (Split Stance RDL + Split Stance Gun Slinger + Split Stance Clean)
rest 30sec between arms x 4/side
43
SKILL/COORDINATION FLOW
4 ROUNDS:
1st
10 Alternating Single Arm Complexes:
KB Switch Snatch to Windmill to Single Arm Press
rest 45sec
2nd
10 Alternating KB Leg Pass to Goblet Split Clean
rest 45sec
3rd
5 Right Arm Complexes
Bottom-Up Muscle Clean From Floor into KB Snatch
5 Left Arm Complexes
Bottom-Up Muscle Clean From Floor into KB Snatch
rest 90sec and back to 1st.
Follow along closely and go into the gym today and repeat these. This is great brain
and body work combined into fun flows. Learn how your body and brain align to
make movement happen!
44
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
O N E A F T E R T H E N E X T:
6 Complexes back to back
Dual KB Sumo Deadlift + Dual KB Clean from Floor + Dual Bottoms Up Clean from
Floor
rest 30-60sec between complexes x 4 sets
THEN
3 Complexes back to back
Dual KB Sumo Deadlift + Dual KB Clean from Floor + 2 Alternating KB Half Snatch + 2
Alternating KB Push Press
rest 30-60sec between complexes x 4 sets
THEN
5 Dual KB Sumo Deadlift
4 Dual KB Russian Swings
3 Dual KB Cleans
2 Dual KB Snatch
1 Dual KB Push Press
rest 30-60sec x 4 sets
These KB complexes are an efficient way to get a lot of good work in when the pres-
sures of being a parent (CEO, husband, wife, etc) call you.
45
SKILL/COORDINATION FLOW
O N E A F T E R T H E N E X T:
Complex 1:
7 Dual KB High Pull
6 Dual KB Russian Swings
5 Dual KB Snatch
4 Dual KB Overhead Reverse Lunge
rest 30-60sec between complexes x 4 sets
THEN
Complex 2:
5 Single Arm KB Split Stance RDL
into
1 Split Stance KB Clean from Floor
1 Split Stance KB Snatch from Floor
x5
rest 30sec between arms x 4 sets
*Perform all 5 RDLs first and then complete 5 Cleans and Snatches alternating be-
tween both.
*On both complexes start with light bells for the first two sets and increase weight
on the last two if you can.
DUAL KB COMPLEX - Strength work with the KB’s brings coordination and skill
into your training session. Your weights will be limited mostly by the challenge that
coordination and skill play in these complexes. This makes them a great choice for
your resistance training on a day you don’t feel like going for big weights.
46
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
O N E A F T E R T H E N E X T:
6 Complexes:
Foundational Complex - 4 KB Gorilla Row + 4 Alternating Single Arm Clean from Floor
+ Dual KB Clean + 4 Dual Strict Press
rest 45sec between sets
6 Complexes:
Advanced Complex - Dual KB Clean + Dual KB Snatch + KB Half Snatch R + KB Half
Snatch L x 4 complexes
rest 45sec between sets
Are you ready to test your coordination? Why must your gym experience be all about
how heavy, how many reps, or how sucky we can make the workout? What about do-
ing things that challenge your skills and coordination?
47
SINGLE ARM SWING FLOW - CONDITIONING BIAS
3 ROUNDS:
1st Complex
Single Arm Split Stance Russian KB Swing
Single Arm Split Stance KB Snatch
Single Arm KB Split Snatch
x 3-5 unbroken complexes/arm
rest 30sec
2nd Complex
KB Switch Snatch + Windmill R
KB Switch Snatch + Windmill L
x 10 Total reps (5/side)
rest 30sec
3rd Complex
RIGHT ARM
2 Single Arm KB Russian Swing
2 Single Arm KB Snatch
2 Single Arm KB Clean & Press
2 Single Arm KB Thruster
LEFT ARM
2 Single Arm KB Russian Swing
2 Single Arm KB Snatch
2 Single Arm KB Clean & Press
2 Single Arm KB Thruster
rest 30sec-60sec and back to 1st
48
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
O N E A F T E R T H E N E X T:
2-3 Sets:
4 Right Arm Complexes
1 Single Arm Russian Swing + 1 KB Snatch + 1 KB Split Snatch
rest 30sec
4 Left Arm Complexes
1 Single Arm Russian Swing + 1 KB Snatch + 1 KB Split Snatch
rest 30sec and back to Right
rest as needed
2-3 Sets:
2 Right Arm Complexes Back to Back:
2 Single Arm KB Bent Over Rows + 2 Single Arm KB Deadlifts + 2 Single Arm KB Rus-
sian Swings + 2 Single Arm KB Cleans + 2 Single Arm KB Snatch + 2 Single Arm KB
Push Press
rest 30sec
2 Left Arm Complexes Back to Back:
2 Single Arm KB Bent Over Rows + 2 Single Arm KB Deadlifts + 2 Single Arm KB Rus-
sian Swings + 2 Single Arm KB Cleans + 2 Single Arm KB Snatch + 2 Single Arm KB
Push Press
rest 30sec and back to R
rest as needed
2-3 Sets:
4 Dual KB Sumo Deadlift
4 Dual KB Cleans from Floor
4 Alternating KB Half Snatch
4 Alternating KB Push Press
rest 45sec between sets
KB Complexes - like the ones demonstrated here are one of my preferred ways to
begin the loading process in training. I start light and build weight as I go. After 5-8
sets of a variety of KB movements, my body is prepared for barbell lifts to follow.
49
MOVEMENT EXPLORATION BIAS
Notes: One After the Next: The Following Squat Variations require a bit
more skill and balance.
Expand your movement library when you embark on a Functional Bodybuilding jour-
ney. Movement variety is one key to success for longevity and sustainability. Keep-
ing training interesting, challenging movement patterns, and ensuring you don’t
overtrain the same movements week after week are some of my keys to sustainable
fitness progress and body composition improvements.
50
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
O N E A F T E R T H E N E X T:
8 Alternating Split Clean to Goblet Halo Flow
rest 30sec between sets x 3 sets
THEN
6/arm KB Swing to Waiter Hold Juggle
rest 30sec between sets x 3 sets
THEN
12 Alternating KB Clean to Rotational Press
rest 30sec x 3 sets
THEN
3 complexes/arm - Single Arm KB Level Press:
1 Tall Kneeling
1 Half Kneeling Left Knee
1 Standing
1 Half Kneeling Right Knee
rest 30sec between arms x 3 sets
1st - Great warm-up move. Love this for shoulder warm-ups and coor-
dination practice!
2nd - This one is fun for teaching you how to get the bell weightless
and as an intro to more difficult juggles.
3rd - The ability to pass the bell from hand to hand during explosive
moves takes practice. I love this one as it blends hand eye coordina-
tion with rotational strength.
4th - Terrific strength move that will work on different stability po-
sitions. The name comes from the fact that you are changing levels
and body position with each version of the press.
51
SKILL/COORDINATION FLOW
C
Body Parts: Low Back, Glutes, Obliques
Time to Complete: 14-18mins
Single KB Workout
C
SKILL FLOW SUPERSETS
5 Rounds:
8 Split Stance Switch Snatch/leg
rest 30sec
8 Rotational Snatch/arm
rest 30sec
8 Low Swing Rotational Clean/arm
rest 60sec and back to 1st
I love putting 3-4 of these movements together into a sequence like this as a tool
for getting my body primed before bigger lifts in my training. Commit to moving for
15mins with a single KB with a variety of movements and you can increase your skills,
coordination, and put out a solid amount of work.
52
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
• If a movement calls for you to switch sides within the exercise, then consider sim-
plifying things down to just doing all of your reps on one side of the body first.
• If a movement is asking you to perform the exercises with a Split Stance (one foot
in front of the other) then consider bringing your feet back together to improve
balance and simplify.
• If a movement calls for rotation, consider doing a similar movement that doesn’t
require rotation. Remove one variable by not rotating and thereby simplify things.
My suggestion is that when you are working with skilled movements and flows, opt
for movements that keep the bell under your shoulder height. This would include any
swing variations with a single arm, two arms, split stances, or different foot posi-
tions. Additionally, you can work a lot of complexes with heavier kettlebells that
involve some combination of hinging, squatting, unilateral lunging, all while keeping
the bell at or below chest level.
53
Pre-Fatigue
54
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
Pre-Fatigue:
Focused Muscle Contraction Designed with Preparation in Mind. These workouts are
meant to be done with lighter loads in order to set up the body for success in the
work that follows. The higher repetition nature of these workouts, when performed at
lower loads, is ideal for getting lots of blood flow to the local muscle tissue and set-
ting them up for some fatigue without getting anywhere near exhaustion. The con-
cept of pre-fatigue has been used in bodybuilding for decades. The thought is that a
moderately fatigued muscle will have a greater demand placed on it when it moves
into executing tougher contractions. So if you are going to do a chest workout, you
would want to pre-fatigue your chest and triceps before you bench press. This would
require a greater muscle fiber recruitment in your bench press work for that day and
yield a greater adaptation as a result.
Workout Characteristics
• 10-15mins time range
• Lower loads with a focus on higher reps
• These are meant to be positioned at the beginning of your training session and
ideally mimic the movements you will explore in your strength balance training or
skill flows next
• Short rest, incomplete rests, and sometimes no rest. The intention to keep you
moving and encourage loading light and not getting too intense with your pre-fa-
tigue lifts.
• Minimal use of TEMPO since we are trying to just explore ranges, get muscles to
contract, and we don’t want to add too much intensity with longer time under
tension
• Typically the total number of exercises per workout is closer to 3.
55
*Hover over movement names
for Demo Video Links
4 - 5 R O U N D S @ 8 5% E F F O RT:
8 KB Push Press R
8 KB Chainsaw Row R
100’ KB Rack Carry R
8 KB Push Press L
8 KB Chainsaw Row L
100’ KB Rack Carry L
*complete this with a moderate load
3 SETS:
1. Single Arm KB Hollow Body Pull Over: 10-12/arm
rest 20sec
2. KB Upright Row: 6-10reps
rest 20sec
3. KB Deficit Push Up: Pause 1sec at the bottom of each rep; 8-10reps
rest 20sec
4. KB Ballistic Row: 20reps (10/arm)
rest 60sec and back to 1
56
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
4 S E T S /A R M :
Right Arm KB Complex
3 Turkish Sit Ups
3 Z Press
*get up to kneeling
3 Half Kneeling Presses
*get up to standing
3 Standing Press
*return back down
rest 30-45sec
Left Arm KB Complex
3 Turkish Sit Ups
3 Z Press
*get up to kneeling
3 Half Kneeling Presses
*get up to standing
3 Standing Press
rest 30-45sec and back to the Right
57
POSTERIOR CHAIN BURN WITH CORE
3 SETS:
1. Half Kneeling KB Chop and Lift: 10-12/side
rest 20sec
2. Kickstand Single Arm Swing: 12/side
rest 20sec
3. 90/90 Goblet Good Morning: 8 R
rest 20sec
4. 90/90 Goblet Good Morning: 8 L
rest 60sec and back to 1
*Half Kneeling KB Chop and Lift - Great for rotational strength and core stability,
not to mention a good shoulder burn.
*Kickstand Single Arm Swing - Unilateral swings are a great way to train anti-rota-
tional strength. The kickstand foot position makes this even more dynamic.*90/90
Goblet Good Morning - Mobility meets posterior chain strength. Give this one a
try and see if you can do it without cramping on the switch.
58
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
3 S E T S W/ M O D E R AT E T O H E AV I E R K B :
1st - Single Arm KB Split Stance Swing: 8/arm
rest 15sec
2nd - Ipsilateral Single Arm KB Split Stance RDL: 20X0 Tempo; 5-7/arm
rest 15sec
3rd - Alternating Single Arm KB Split Stance Swing: 12 reps
rest 15sec
4th - Contralateral Single Arm KB Split Stance RDL: 20X0; 5-7/arm
rest 60-90sec and back to 1st.
HEAVYISH KB PREP
Got a barbell workout today that involves some bending (power cleans, power
snatch, deadlift)? I suggest grabbing a heavyish KB and knocking out this prep work.
This approach that we often take inside FBB is such a valuable way to get your body
prepared for heavier barbell work ahead.
59
SHOULDER, ARMS & CHEST
3 S E T S W/ L I G H T K B :
1. Half Kneeling KB Horn Curl to Halo Flow: 8/Knee
rest 30sec
2. Alternating Bottoms Up KB Clean: 8/arm
rest 30sec
3. Offset KB Push Up to Side Plank: 6/arm
rest 60sec and back to 1.
This sort of movement exploration is easy to bring into your daily training. Take 3 to 4
movements and work on execution with high quality each session.
60
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
61
FULL BODY COUPLETS
WHAT IS THE CORRECT WAY TO HOLD THE KB? Break the Rules - the
bottoms up KB grip is very demanding on the grip and will challenge your shoulder
stability.
62
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
63
WAKE UP LEGS
Be sure to choose a lighter KB for this. With the high volume squat reps in this Pre-Fa-
tigue pump, the focus is on lighter load so as to not overtax the brain.
Leg Pre-Fatigue - it is important to select loads that are on the lighter side for
Pre-Fatigue work. We are aiming to get in some volume early in the session to tire the
muscles just a bit prior to other lifting you might be doing in your workout. What we
don’t want is to tire out the brain. Selecting light loads will get local muscle fatigue
but won’t tax the nervous system too much.
HIP PRIMER - Want to get your hips feeling buttery before you do a big squat
workout? Then give this pre-fatigue superset a try. 3 simple moves and all you need is
a bench/step and a KB.
64
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
3 - 4 S E T S W/ L I G H T K B :
6-8 Complexes
1 Russian Swing
1 Goblet Clean
1 Goblet Press
rest 20sec
8 Lunge Stance Swings R
4 Lunge Stance Snatches R
rest 20sec
8 Lunge Stance Swings L
4 Lunge Stance Snatches L
rest 20sec
8 Split Stance Single Arm KB RDL + Single Arm Bent Over Row R
8 Split Stance Single Arm KB RDL + Single Arm Bent Over Row L
rest 60sec and repeat
More than a warm up! You are preparing your body through the act of pre-fatigue.
You are getting a modest amount of fatigue into the muscles and nervous system
to ensure there is adequate blood flow and nutrients. This limited fatigue will send
signals to the body that you are doing WORK and mobilize the necessary nutrients,
hormones, and cofactors to get you ready to move.
This means better training, more mobility, sharper brain signals, and more. It
shouldn’t be throwaway stretches. Make it count. Grab a KB and do a Pre-Fatigue
flow like this to start your training session.
65
CORE BLAST WITH A SPLASH OF TRICEPS
Coach’s Notes:
• The tall kneeling position is one that I’ve adopted a lot recently. I love it because
it challenges the core and hips to generate stability. Therefore a double benefit of
tricep isolation and core work.
• This rotational core move is also a great bicep isometric move since you will be
holding the KB for 30-40sec during the set.
• I am repeatedly surprised at how hard Pike Lifts are to execute with control.
This Pre-Fatigue workout is ideal to do on an upper body day. The fatigue you will
experience in the arms and core from this can lend itself well to benching and com-
pound pull movements and you will have to demand more from your chest and back.
66
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
67
COACH’S NOTES ON
PRE-FATIGUE
What level of difficulty you should feel to get the
right stimulus without crushing yourself:
Rate of Perceived Exertion (aka RPE) is a scale used to help guide an athlete to the
correct level of effort in training. Typically it is listed on a 0-10 scale with 0 being ab-
solute rest (ie Sleeping) and 10 being the most difficult thing you could possibly do.
Pre-fatigue work is meant to be taxing, but it is also not supposed to wipe you out
for the training to come. Ideally you would aim for an RPE in the 4-6 range when
completing pre-fatigue workouts. Consider the total impact these workouts have on
your muscles and brain. The immediate “burn” you feel on a specific exercise might
go above a 6, but the net impact of the whole workout, when rest periods are consid-
ered as well, should be in the 4-6 range.
The best example of this is the half kneeling single arm press. In this exercise you will
have one knee on the floor in a lunge type position. From that base position you will
press with a single arm overhead. With the right knee on the ground you could the-
oretically press with either the right or left arm. One arm would press on the same
side of the body as the kneeling leg (ipsilateral) and the other arm would be pressing
on the opposite side of the body to the kneeling leg (contralateral).
When I demonstrate half kneeling or tall kneeling exercises, I often get the question
of why one would adopt these positions instead of standing. Each position provides
a different stimulus and subtle recruitment of different muscles you use to stabilize
and balance. Try a simple single arm press in different positions such as standing, tall
kneeling, half kneeling, and seated, and play with ipsilateral and contralateral posi-
tions. What do you notice?
68
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
Finishers
69
These workouts focus on isolation work done to exhaust body parts at the end of
the session. Unlike the Pre-Fatigue workouts that were meant to get the muscles
and movement patterns only partially fatigued, these Finishers are likely to tax your
muscle to completion for the day. This is why they are recommended to be done at
the end of training since you don’t have any more meaningful contractions left in the
session that might be compromised from this work.
These workouts will show up in the form of isometrics, higher rep chippers, Aerobic
Bodybuilding formats for added cardio, EMOMs for metabolic fatigue, and/or volume
based SuperSets. You will see a bit more of an isolation body part focus in many of
these workouts by design. Isolation movements tend to have a lower brain require-
ment on the system and since we are at the end of training at this point, we don’t
want to expect too much out of the nervous system that has spent the past 45-
60mins working hard already.
Workout Characteristics
• Time Range 12-20mins
• There is limited use of tempo. Your brain has already worked hard in your training
session and these are meant to be a time to shut off your brain and get a quality
pump
• You will see repetition ranges that are higher to exhaust muscles at the end of
training. By design these should be done as the last part of your sessions.
• There is anywhere from 2-5 exercises per Finisher usually.
• A few of the Finisher formats require a conditioning tool like the Rower or Bike.
You can substitute running or jumping rope in place of these tools. These specific
finishers in this category will bias your conditioning and be designed to get your
heart rate and breathing up! They will be noted with CONDITIONING BIASED.
70
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
QUAD BLAST
EMOM 12-15MINS:
4 OR 5 ROUNDS
1st - Goblet Cyclist Squat 1/2 Rep Pulses: 15 Reps
2nd - Goblet Cyclist Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat, Right Leg: 12 Reps
3rd - Goblet Cyclist Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat, Left Leg: 12 Reps
3-4 SETS:
1. KB Crush Grip L Crunches: 15 reps
rest 15sec
2. KB Crush Grip Hollow Flutters: 30sec
rest 15sec
KB Single Arm Cross Body Crunches: 10/arm
rest 15sec
KB Crush Grip Hollow Hold: 30sec
rest 60-90sec and back to 1
71
ARMS AND SHOULDERS GALORE
3 SETS:
1. Half Kneeling KB Horn Curls: 10-12reps (half the reps on each knee)
rest 30sec
2. Turkish Sit Up + Z Press: 6/arm
rest 30sec
3. Half Kneeling KB Eccentric Bicep Curl: 5 reps/arm
rest 30sec
4. 3 Positions Press (Z Press, Windmill Press, Half Kneeling): 3 sets/side
rest 90sec and back to 1st
Finishers like this one showcase how versatile the KB is for changing where you place
the load relative to your body, including slow and dynamic contractions, and getting
incredible results from both heavy and light weights. Participants of my Persist train-
ing program will find finishers like these often throughout each progressive training
cycle.
72
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
GIANT SET #1
2-3 Sets:
Horn KB 1-1/4 Curls: 12reps
rest 15sec
Eccentric Bias Curl 6sec Down: 6/arm
rest 15sec
Muscle Clean from Floor to Strict Press: 10/arm
rest 60sec and back to 1
GIANT SET #2
2-3 Sets:
Kneeling Elbow Out Quarter-Half-Full Press: 8/arm
rest 15sec
2. Tall Kneeling Horn Overhead Tricep Extension: 12 reps
rest 15sec
3. KB Single Arm Bias Push Up: 8/arm
rest 60sec and back to 1
3-4 SETS:
10 Hollow Body KB Bench Press, Right Arm
5 KB Turkish Sit-Ups, Right Arm
rest 30sec
10 Hollow Body KB Bench Press, Left Arm
5 KB Turkish Sit-Ups, Left Arm
rest 30sec
10 Dual KB Floor Press
5 Dual KB Turkish Sit-Ups
-rest as needed and repeat from the top
73
AEROBIC CORE 3 WAYS - CONDITIONING BIAS
Then get right back on the rower and continue to row at a moderate pace until the
next time point.
4 SETS:
1. Alternating KB Top-Down Curls: 6-8/arm
rest 30sec
2. Crush Grip Pallof Press: 8-10reps
rest 30sec
3. Dual KB Bent Over Reverse Fly: 10-15reps
rest 60-90sec and back to 1
74
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
CORE 4 WAYS
Then get right back on the bike and continue to pedal at a moderate pace until the
next time point.
75
UPPER BODY EXHAUSTION
FUNCTIONAL BRO SPLIT - I do love me some old school body part splits. That
feeling of taking one specific area of the body and training it to exhaustion. Getting a
FULL pump in that body part and knowing you hit it from every angle.
I also love movements that challenge me to coordinate multiple movement patterns,
have complex angles and positions to attempt to master and take a venture in the
“functional” realm.
This is where the concept of a Functional Bro Split arises for me. Training splits that
hit one major body part a day are classically called “Bro Splits” because there was a
predominance of men doing these in the bodybuilding days - but every gender can
get an effective and satisfying workout with this style.
This Functional Body Part Split workout is one of many I am delivering inside of my
PERSIST programming these days. Give it a shot for 2 weeks free. Let’s make satisfy-
ing training accessible for bros of all genders and types!
76
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
BICEPS SHREDDER
20min Easy Row: On the master clock, get off the rower at the 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20min
mark. Perform these 3 core movements with two moderate weight KBs for the pre-
scribed reps.
Then get right back on the rower and continue to pedal at a moderate pace until the
next time point.
77
TIME DOMAIN CORE AND BACK
UNIQUE HIP ANGLES - Try these 3 unique KB movements that will hit your hips
in a variety of different angles. I refer to this style of resistance training as Strength
Balance work. These movements are not meant to be done at max effort. Instead,
you are trying to work different angles of your hips and build a balance of strength
around the full range of motion of the joints.
78
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
These single and double leg squat variations with just one KB are all great for biasing
the quads and the glutes in some way and delivering a great leg burn! There’s no end
to the options, even with just one piece of equipment. Check out the Minimalist track
of my Persist program for more low equipment and bodyweight training programs.
79
UPPER PUSH AND SHOULDER PUMP
4 SETS:
1. Z Seated Hip to Halo: 10/side
rest 15sec
2. KB Offset Push Up R: 6-9reps
rest 15sec
3. Z Seated KB Horn Tricep Extensions: 8-10reps
rest 15sec
4. KB Offset Push Up L: 6-9reps
rest 90sec and back to 1
*For the Offset Push Up make an effort to bias your bodyweight to the side with the
hand on the floor and focus on pressing through that tricep.
FBB Finishers are possibly my favorite part of my training. The painful part is over,
the body is already pumped a bit, and now I get to focus on the quality and unique
movements that help me round out my fitness, physique, and are fun.
80
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
4 ROUNDS:
20sec Single Arm KB Rack Pike Flutter Kicks R
20sec Single Arm KB Rack Pike Flutter Kicks L
rest 20sec
40sec Tall Kneeling KB Horn Grip Alternating Press Outs
rest 20sec
40sec Goblet L Seated PIke Leg Lifts
rest 1:20
ISOLATION = VOLUME GAINZ. One great way to increase your total volume safe-
ly in training is to add isolation work. If you follow along you know I love compound
lifts and doing heavy barbell work too. But I have a pretty defined limit to how much
of that I can do and not over train and feel beat up.
81
ARM ISOLATION MADNESS
4 SETS:
1. 1-1/4 KB Horn Curls: 8 reps
rest 15sec
2. Tall Kneeling 1-1/4 KB Overhead Tricep Extensions: 8 reps
rest 15sec
3. Tall Kneeling KB Crush Grip Curls: 10 reps
rest 15sec
4. Tall Kneeling KB Crush Overhead Tricep Extensions: 10 reps
rest 90sec and back to 1
H OW I S I S O L AT I O N F U N C T I O N A L?
The term functional really has ignited some strange debates and arguments over the
years. LOOK EVERYONE. The ability to contract your muscles against resistance is
important. I don’t care in what form that happens. We are in a battle against people
NOT working against resistance (sedentary folks or people who only choose cardio).
If we got everyone to lift weights, even if they all did isolation exercises and ZERO
“functional” movements, we would have a much more resilient population that could
do way more stuff that is considered “Functional.”
Plus, isolation work is a great way to add volume to an otherwise heavily loaded up
functional training program.
82
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
4 ROUNDS:
Single Arm KB Rack Bench Tucks: 8/arm
rest 30sec
Single Arm KB Bench Row: 8/arm
rest 30sec
Single Arm KB Bench Press: 8/arm
rest 30sec
Crush Grip Glute Bridge Bench Press: 12 reps
rest 90sec and back to 1
83
C
O
UPPER BODY ON FIRE - CONDITIONING BIAS
Wrapping up your training session and feel like you want a little more? I know the
feeling. It doesn’t mean you didn’t go hard in your training. Don’t buy that BS. You
can train hard and still feel like you want a little more at the end of your session.
For that, I present the KB Chipper. I like placing these in a low pressure, not time for-
mat for added volume that is light and simple. Keep the loading light here and aim to
complete these sets with as few breaks as possible. Light weight high reps = PUMP.
Once you learn good movement patterns with the KB you can certainly build yourself
up and start lifting heavier and reap huge rewards in how the body will adapt. Even
in finishers like this you can play around using higher loads so long as you are effi-
cient and can move fluidly between all movements.
84
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
COACH’S NOTES
ON FINISHERS
WITH KBS OR OTHER UNILATERAL WORK WE OFTEN
NOTICE ONE SIDE WAY STRONGER THAN THE OTHER.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO APPROACH THIS:
It is very normal and common to have one side of our bodies that is stronger or more
stable than the other. You may experience this in any of the workouts in this Ebook
that require a unilateral bias. In our finishers that isolate parts of the body you may
find these discrepancies showing up frequently. If that is the case, the best way to
approach this in training is as follows.
Weak side first - When you perform an exercise in a workout it is best to perform
the repetitions on your weak side first before moving to your stronger side. The re-
sult is that you get to lift on your weaker side when you are fresh and have the least
amount of fatigue.
Weak side dictates loads - Your weaker side should always dictate the load you
choose. If you can lift heavier with your stronger side it is wise to not do this. You
don’t want to exacerbate the discrepancy by getting stronger on that side and leav-
ing your weaker side behind.
On a 20min Clock Perform as many sustainable high quality rounds of the following as
possible:
Run 400/Jump Rope singles 2mins
Exercise #1
Exercise #2
Exercises #3
…. Return back to the Run/Jump Rope
85
W
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS N
Thank you to the following athletes who tested these kettlebell
workouts! We appreciate your time and thoughtful feedback that
helped refine this project.
86
FBB KETTLEBELL SOLUTION
WHAT’S
NEXT?
Join Persist to change your body and get fitter, faster, and stronger. Persist includes
3 tracks with done for you workouts that build you up week by week - whether you
train with kettlebells only, or have a full set of equipment.
Get my signature blend of bodybuilding and functional fitness to look good and move
well - without injury or burnout. You’ll get a training app with workouts, demo videos,
and athlete support right in your pocket.
87