Breathing Tips for Kettlebell Workouts



Kettlebells are similar to dumbbells used in fitness centers and boot camps for physical strength endurance training and other incredible workouts. They use explosive movements that stimulate abdominal contractions. So, while you are building stamina, you are also working out your abs. The right type of breathing is very important for kettlebell workouts. There are two types of breathing done with kettlebell workouts, namely, hard breathing and soft breathing.

Kettlebell Swing

This is the most common workout done using a kettlebell. Your entire body works together during this exercise, which spreads absolute fatigue to every part of your body. This is one workout where all your muscle groups are involved and towards the end of this workout, your body screams for mercy.

It is not just the muscles but your heart and lungs are also involved in the workout. You can exercise with both hands using two kettlebells, single hand with one kettlebell or both hands with single kettlebell. The focus here is on the power of movement and breathing that helps in exercising the muscles.


Kettlebell swing is performed holding the kettlebell either with both hands, or single hand. You swing it down between your knees and then use an explosive movement to swing it up to your chest height. This action is repeated again and again for building endurance.

Hard Style Breathing

This type of breathing is done when you use powerful and explosive movements while using kettlebells. During the exercise you breathe in while swinging the kettlebell between your knees and breathe out when you use an explosive movement of your hip to swing it back to your chest height. This type of hard breathing is used to improve the power of movement.

Soft Style Breathing

Soft style of breathing is done while performing classic style of kettlebell exercise. You do not use explosive movements while performing this exercise. Hence, it requires you to exhale while you swing the kettlebell down between your legs and inhale while you swing back the kettlebell to your chest height.

As your lungs get compressed during downward movement, you exhale and when you swing back to your standing position, you inhale. So, this type of breathing matches your movement. It is better to use a lighter kettleball for improving strength endurance while doing soft style breathing.

Boot camps use kettlebells

At a boot camp you are encouraged to use kettlebells for burning calories, increasing movement and increasing endurance. As the exercises are performed in the open here, you feel more motivated. Also, at boot camps all the exercises are done in groups. So, you feel inspired by your peers and strive to put in your best effort.

Trainers in a boot camp motivate you to use kettlebells for flexibility. Since multiple muscle groups are used while performing kettlebell exercises, you are encouraged to do these workouts.


So, breathing is extremely important while doing kettleball exercise. There is every chance that you hurt your joints and spine, if it is performed without the guidance of a professional. Hence, before you start kettlebell exercises, get trained from a kettlebell instructor or a qualified trainer.

These workouts help you to build stamina, endurance and flexibility. In fact, they are great for your abs too. While they do not focus on your abs, the repeated contractive movements help to tone your abs too.

And unless care is taken to do them the right way, you can end up hurting yourself. Learn the right breathing techniques too and do the workouts under the able guidance of your instructor. Proper breathing techniques help you to achieve your goals faster.


Kya Cassiuss Victoria is a Sydney boot camp expert. If you're thinking of losing weight, join a Boot Camp Brighton. For a free $1 two week trial, visit, personal trainer Brighton.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kya_Cassiuss_Victoria/717877
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