Professional Documents
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The Beginner’s Guide to Kettlebells
What you can expect:
● Why use Kettlebells?
● Why Kettlebells with Kettlebell Kings?
● What weight should I start with?
● Which type of bell should I choose?
● Stay safe out there
● The Basic 8: Movements to start with
● The Program
● Supplementing Your Program
● Your Challenge
Why kettlebells
What is it that most of us who put ourselves so through blood, sweat and tears want? As a man (and
most you ladies out there) most of us want what my friend so aptly describes himself as "twisted
steel and sex appeal.” Who doesn’t want to look like a sexy pile of lean muscle while at the same
time having explosive strength and power?
My hand is raised.
If this is your goal then strength training is your only route. To take it a step further the kettlebell is
one of the simplest, most versatile, and fun ways to achieve it. For average and elite trainees alike a
few kettlebells and your own body is just about all you need to build a strong, powerful, mobile
physique that will make you as strong as you look.
The kettlebell has the ability to hit multiple muscles, allows you to link movement patterns into an
infinite number of circuits and sessions, build strength and stamina, unlike most tools, and deliver a
high intensity workout in less time.
Many people see a kettlebell these days and assume one of two things:
1. All you do is deadlift it.
2. It makes for a great doorstop.
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I’m here to enlighten you to the power that is packed in this oddlyshaped, medieval looking doodad.
What you hold in your hands will do the following for you especially if you follow the program that
follows:
1. Build full body strength and power
2. Drop body fat and build superhuman levels of conditioning
3. Build grip strength that will help you either take down your opponent or wrestle open those
stubborn jars
4. Build flexibility and mobility through movement patterns you most likely wouldn’t do with
traditional weights
5. Give you the ability to perform a highlevel training session just about anywhere
6. Build body awareness to help you stay injuryfree
Ok, ok, I’m done selling the kettlebell. You’re on board with this program and ready to go, right? Let’s
move forward.
Who is this program for?
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or not you’ll get something from this system. I’ve had my
seasoned clients and myself use the following program with slightly more advanced movements and
heavier weights.
If you’re a beginner don’t play around with it. Just follow the program exactly as it’s laid out and then
you can tweak it to your liking. If you’re not a beginner, but haven’t used bells in awhile pretend that
you are. Trust me. You’ll get more from this program than if you try combining five different systems
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into one. Add what you absolutely need to, but try not to go overboard. Always remember the mantra
“less is more.” It typically works out that way.
If you’re looking to lean out while building overall strength then this plan is for you. Are you going to
gain pounds of muscle? Not unless you’re an absolute beginner who’s never touched a weight
before and plans on eating a ton of food. For the rest of us it’s about building strength while shedding
some pounds of fat. If you’re looking for an athletic look and feel then keep on reading.
Why Kettlebells with Kettlebell Kings
Here at Kettlebell Kings our goal is to provide unique, userfriendly, results based training and
techniques to help you get more from your kettlebell. From the basic movements to Kettlebell Sport,
from heavy complexes to creative flows the uses of the kettlebell are really only limited by your
imagination.
Too many organizations offer a dogmatic “this way or the highway” training model. While we have
our system that we’ve created through real world experimentation we simply want to provide a new
perspective. One that allows for different schools of thoughts that will help you achieve the physique
and performance you’re looking for.
The problem is you have to understand and be able to utilize the foundational movements. We want
to provide you with every opportunity to learn the movement patterns safely in order to build a better,
stronger more athletic physique through kettlebells.
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Where to start what size weight
It’s easy to get caught up in the "bigger is better" mentality and want to grab a few heavy bells. The
truth is you want to master with full control each weight before moving on to the next. Certain
movements will require heavier bells, but others will need almost excessively light ones. It all
depends on your goals, abilities and limitations.
An average male trainee will be using weights in the range of 12kg/26lb 32kg/70lb
I’ll break down the movements in this book and give you in my experience what my average client
would use:
● Deadlift 24kg 32kg
● Dead start Clean 16kg 20kg
● Press 12kg 20kg
● Goblet Squat 16kg 24kg
● Row 16kg 24kg
● Swing 16kg 24kg
● Half Get Up 12kg 20kg
● Half Kneeling Snatch 12kg 20kg
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An average female trainee will typically need the following: 4kg/9lbs 20kg/44lbs
● Deadlift 16kg 20kg
● Dead start Clean 8kg 16kg
● Press 4kg 12kg
● Goblet Squat 8kg 16kg
● Row 8kg 16kg
● Swing 12kg 20kg
● Half Get Up 4kg 12kg
● Half Kneeling Snatch 4kg 8kg
As you can see there are some bells that show up pretty consistently across the board. The outliers
of the deadlift and kneeling snatch will force you to consider a very heavy and very light weight. In
the end it will be worth it. There are many ways to make a light bell more difficult which I go into full
detail in our Kettlebell Kings Foundation to Flow Certification.
For purposes of this program you won’t need double bells, but I guarantee once you go through this
you’ll see why some of my favorite workouts include movements like renegade rows, double
snatches, double front squats, and gorilla cleans. After performing double exercises you’ll also see
how powerful they are at building incredible strength and power.
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What type of bell should you use?
While Kettlebell Kings offers a handful of different versions from powder coat to competition bells,
kettlebells in kilos or pounds, my go to bells are the competition kettlebells. These are typically used
in kettlebell sport where all the bells are the same size to minimize the form differentiation between
the weights, but in my opinion they are far more comfortable. The larger diameter means less
concentrated contact on one particular spot. This spreads more evenly and with a bigger handle
frame it’s much easier to get both hands in for twohanded work. I think they just look so much
better, too, but that’s subjective...I guess.
Click here to add to your kettlebell collection
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Safety First, Kids.
I don’t care if you’re swinging a 48kg or 4kg safety should always be on your mind. From heavy
snatches, to half get ups and even seemingly innocent rows they all deserve 100% of your attention.
1. The Footwear the closer to the ground you are the better. Don’t let a small layer of cushion put
your body at risk. Thinsoled shoes (or barefoot) is the way to go.
2. Handling the Bell Be careful each and every time. There’s no weight too light to be mindlessly
picking up or setting down.
3. Lifting Location Don’t be a bull in a China shop. Mind your surroundings.
4. Pain Tolerance No pain all gain. Be mindful of what your body is telling you. Push through
discomfort, not pain. Yes, there’s a difference.
5. Hands Bloody hands looks cool on Instagram, but is stupid for your progress. Keep your hands
pretty for the sake of your training.
6. Know your limits This should go without saying, but longterm results and athletic longevity
should be your main goal. Don’t sacrifice that to be a hero in today’s workout. Our body only has so
many hard workouts in it.
This also means being mindful of your skills and abilities. As a coach I’ve seen many athletes bite off
more than they can chew.
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The Basic 8
For the purposes of this program you’ll be going over the "Basic 8" and a few variations. My goal is
for you to get a few things from each of the Basic 8 as well as a few variations so that you’ll have
everything you need to have hundreds of workouts after the plan at the end.
1. Deadlift 5. Half Get Up
2. Clean 6. Row
3. Press 7. Swing
4. Squat 8. HalfKneeling Snatch
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The Program
Density Rounds and every minute on the minute sessions are two of my favorite ways to train. They
allow you to work with fairly heavy loads without every really going to failure. They allow you to get a
lot of volume, but the key thing is to go at your pace and never outside of your capabilities.
When the focus is on perfect movement then this workout translates into a good amount of quality
reps. Better movement with progressively heavier weight means you’ll develop the skill of strength.
With that strength you’ll potentially put on more muscle and drastically change your body
composition.
The other thing about this style of training is the output. You’re going to be burning a TON of calories
so for the process of looking leaner with that added strength you can’t beat it.
In order to get better results you want to know where you started. Before starting this program I want
you to track the following stats:
● Current Weight
● Current Measurements:
○ Waist around the navel
○ Neck
○ Hips around the widest area
○ Chest
○ Arms (unflexed, hanging)
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● Max Pushups (with strict form) in 2 minutes
● Max Pull ups (with strict form) As soon as you let go of the bar you’re finished
● 1 Mile Time or any distance over .5 miles that you can track easily
The most successful people are those that know where they started and track everything. Flying by
the seat of your pants is a surefire way to finish a program with suboptimal results. I don’t know
about you, but if I’m going to put some blood, sweat and tears into my training I want to see
progress.
For this 6Week Program you’ll be performing four sessions per week. As you’ll notice each workout
is broken down into three sections. The skill, assistance work, and conditioning.
Why these movement patterns?
Daily movement cannot be contained in the basic “squat, hinge, push, pull” patterns, but it’s a good
place to start when you’re working with progressive overload. It’s crucial to work all angles and
combinations to build a resiliently strong body capable of withstanding anything life throws at you.
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Each session is broken down into the following blocks:
1. WARMUP
○ Spend as much time as you need to prepare your body and nervous system for the
work ahead. This could be joint mobility like you’ll find throughout Living.Fit, to jump
rope to any cardio machine at the gym.
2. SKILL
○ Strength is a skill and better movement starts with slowing things down and being
methodical with your practice. Take your time, master the movements and watch
your strength take off.
3. ACCESSORY
○ These will further what you started with your skill work. It will allow for some volume
and build strength and muscle if you push yourself hard enough.
4. CONDITIONING
○ This block will allow you to burn some extra calories, build your endurance and help
you stay lean while you build strength.
5. DECOMPRESSION
○ The decompression sessions you’ll find in Living.Fit will help you stay loose and
recover faster from your session. I can’t stress this enough. Do not skip your post
workout decompression! Find a stretch routine that works for you or follow the ones
we have in here.
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Training Session 1: Hinge Focus
Section 1: Skill One arm Swings
Set an interval timer for 6 rounds of 60 seconds. Perform 5 One Arm Swings with each arm at the
top of every minute.
REST 2 minutes after you’ve completed all 6 rounds
Section 2: Assistance work
A1: Assisted Single Leg Deadlifts Left and Right 3 sets of 10 each leg
A2: Hip Thrust Hold (extend hips and hold the top position) 3 sets of 30 seconds
No rest between movements.
Rest 60 seconds between sets
REST 2 minutes after assistance work.
Section 3: Conditioning
*10 rounds 20 seconds on/40 seconds off
{alternate each exercise so you’ll be doing 5 rounds of each movement}
B1: Explosive Deadlift
REST
B2: Controlled Burpees (sprawl, pushup, explosive stand without jump)
REST
Repeat
*If need be cut back on sets rather than intensity.
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Training Session 2: Squat Focus
Section 1: Skill Horned Goblet Squats
Goblet Squats 46 sets of 8 reps
Rest 45 seconds between sets
REST 2 Minutes
Section 2: Assistance Work
A1: Racked Back Lunge Left and then right 3x12 each leg
*rack the weight on your left side and lunge back with your right leg. Switch arms and repeat
A2: Single Leg Balance 3x345 seconds each leg
*stand on your left leg, get into a partial squat and hold. Repeat on your other side
REST 2 Minutes
Section 3: Conditioning
B1: Two Hand Swing 10
B2: Low Sprawl 10
*Keep your hands on the ground, kick your feet back to put yourself in a pushup position and then
repeat
Rest 30 seconds
Perform 5 rounds
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Training Session 3: Vertical Press/Pull Focus
Section 1: Skill The Press
A1: Standing Press Left and then Right 4x8
A2: Pull up Bar Hold (or Pullover if you don’t have a pull up bar) 4x1030 seconds or 10 pullovers
Rest 60 seconds between sets
REST 2 Minutes
Section 2: Assistance Work
B1: Half Get Up (to kneeling) Left and Right 3 reps
B2: Deadstart Snatch Left and then right 5 reps
15 seconds rest between movements
90 seconds between sets
Perform 4 rounds
REST 2 Minutes
Section 3: Conditioning
C1: Pike Pushups 20 seconds
*if position your feet on a box or step
C2: Alternating Swings 20 seconds
Rest 40 seconds
Perform 5 rounds
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Training Session 4: Horizontal Press/Pull Focus
Section 1: Skill The Clean
A1: Dead start Clean Left and Right 5 sets of 58 reps per arm
A2: One Arm Pushup Position 5 sets of 1020 seconds per arm
Rest 30 seconds between exercises
Rest 90 seconds between sets
REST 2 Minutes
Section 2: Assistance Work
B1: Bottom of Pushup Position 20 seconds
B2: Crush Grip 20 seconds
B3: Supported Row Left and Right 10 reps
No rest between movements
Rest 60 seconds between sets
Perform 4 rounds
REST 2 Minutes
Section 3: Conditioning
C1: Jump Rope 20 seconds
Rest 20 seconds
C2: Upright Row to Squat 20 seconds
Rest 20 seconds
*Perform 6 rounds
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The Schedule
If the above days don’t work for you try to stick to the schedule as best you can. With four focused
days you’ll be hitting each movement pattern needed to create a balanced athlete even if you’re
sport is throwing kids around on a trampoline.
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Are You Ready?
The main goal with this program is to make you one proficient kettlebeller, along with building a
more athletic body. The good news is you don’t need to devote more than 34 hours a week to your
training. More is definitely not always better and in fact is detrimental most of the time. If you’re
serious (and I mean really serious) about transforming your body and moving like an athlete you’re
going to focus on these four things. When I say focus I mean be religiously consistent about them:
1. Watch your food intake. I won’t go into detail here, but Check out the nutrition programs
available on Living.Fit
2. Train with intention. Don’t just go through the motions. Make sure you’re getting the most
from each session and progressing nicely. Lucky for you this part is already taken care of
above.
3. Drink enough water. Seems simple, but you’d be surprised how many people are walking
around slightly dehydrated.
4. Get enough rest. The right amount of sleep for you is more powerful than any drug. Rest up,
buttercup.
If you have any questions at all please don’t hesitate to ask. I want to make sure you achieve the
results you’re looking for whatever they may be. If, however, you’re already on a plan or just want to
supplement what you’re doing then pick a section that best suits your needs and add it.
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Let’s say that you’re already on a strength protocol, but looking for some conditioning. Add the
conditioning blocks at the end of your current training for an extra boost. If you’re a cardio king or
queen and need some extra strength work add the skill and or accessory blocks. Combined they
should only take 2030 minutes and will require minimal equipment.
Regardless of your plan utilize the warmups and decompression sessions to enhance your mobility
and resiliency.
With this program you’ll have everything you need, BUT there’s always ways to customize it. For
starters, make sure you have a good active recovery day plan. This means doing something that will
enhance your life. A walk with a friend, a good arm pump, a trail run with your dog, or anything that
goes in line with what you want to do or look like. The concept of recovery doesn’t have to be sitting
there doing nothing. If you’re not an active person, use that time to try a new class to get motivated.
The purpose of this program is to make you a better, stronger, more capable mover that carries over
into anything and everything you decide to do.
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The Challenge
My challenge to you is to take the above program and putting everything you have into it. I’m not
exaggerating when I say you’re going to see some dramatic improvements in your physique and
performance by giving the ‘ol kettlebell some attention. It won’t always be easy, but I promise it will
be worth it.
No more waiting in lines at the gym (at least for the next four weeks) and no more jumping from
workout to workout. Get on this program and get excited. Enthusiasm makes this far more enjoyable.
Sure you can be a zombie that just gets it done because it needs to be done, but who wants to do
that? I’d rather enjoy the hell out of my training and love the process so grab some bells, but a
freaking smile on your face, buckle down and finish strong!
Enjoy!
Marcus Martinez
Master Kettlebell Coach
Living.Fit and Kettlebell Kings
For information regarding kettlebells, upcoming certifications and more click here
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