The kettlebell is a great tool for working your entire body. But it’s also an awesome tool for your abs, especially when it comes to squatting.
Adding a ab workouts with kettlebell can really help strengthen your core, says New York City-based certified personal trainer and health coach Karolina Duncan. She recommends using a kettlebell weight that matches your fitness level, ranging from 10 pounds for beginners to 12 or 15 for advanced trainees.
Get a Six-Pack with These Kettlebell Exercises for Abs
Exercise #1: Kettlebell Sit and Press x 8 to 12 reps
Begin lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Press the kettlebell overhead above your chest, keeping your arms straight and not bending at the wrists. Inhale and pull your shoulders down, and slowly lower the bell behind you (as far as you feel comfortable).
Exhale and return to your starting position. Repeat for 2 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions on each side.
Exercise #2: Kettlebell Horizontal Row x 8 to 10 reps
Stand with your feet slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart, shifting weight onto your left leg. Then kick your right leg back as if you were pressing your heel into the wall behind you.
Squeeze your glutes and maintain your single-leg stance, returning to the start position with the kettlebell on your left hand.
This movement primarily targets your obliques, which are the abdominal muscles that run along the sides of your trunk. You can add a little variety to the traditional horizontal row by dragging the kettlebell from side to side as you perform this exercise. One side-to-side drag counts as a single rep, but if you find this difficult, try dragging the bell across your body from one side to the other.