Kettlebell Cardio Workout

Kettlebell cardio workout for ‘ya today -
But before I break it down, a quick question:  how do you define “cardio”?
It might conjure up images of folks pedaling away on recumbent stationary bikes at the health club, catching up on the latest E! channel celeb gossip …
Or you might think of running or biking outdoors …
But odds are you probably DON’T think of cardio and lifting weights of any kind as one in the same. So my goal with this kettlebell cardio workout is to PERMANENTLY change the way you think about cardio …

Let’s start with some defining facts about cardio from healthstatus.com:

Cardio exercise is any exercise that raises your heart rate …  Cardio exercise uses large muscle movement over a sustained period of time, keeping your heart rate to at least 50% of its maximum level …  You need a minimum of 20 minutes of continued elevated pulse to get the best results …

So – if we elevate the heart rate, utilize large muscles of the body, work at a reasonable and sustained intensity, and do it for a continuous period of time, we’re good to go – no matter our implements/training tools of choice.

Kettlebells happen to be a great tool to elevate the heart rate quickly.  And if we work at a high – but sustainable – intensity with them for a continuous period, we get a killer kettlebell cardio workout.

Kettlebell Cardio Workout

This is a perfect short, intense workout you can throw in to mix things up with your existing cardio routine – or even replace it all together.  It can be done in about 10-15 minutes, and only requires one kettlebell.  Check out the video first, then see the video recap below for workout details:

Video Recap

• 5 one arm swing (right)
• 5 one arm clean, squat and press (right)
• 5 one arm swing (left)
• 5 one arm clean, squat and press (left)
• Rest 10-15 seconds, repeat for 5-10 total rounds

Chances are you do cardio of some kind to stay in shape, train your heart, etc.  But there’s also a good chance that you think of “cardio” as a long, slow and boring activity.  The kettlebell cardio workout outlined in this post is a great starting point to change your mindset – and to get you faster and more efficient results!
Train hard and talk soon -
Forest Vance, RKC II

PS - For more killer kettlebell workouts like this one, check out these kettlebell routines at http://kettlebellbasics.net/2010/05/25/kettlebell-routines/.