7 Kettlebell Movements for Abs

LF Newsletter #140: Steps 150 years ago, reason v. desire, muscles for singing, and more...

Hey there - it’s Don.

Happy Friday! I hope you’ve had a great week.

Today I’m going golfing with a friend.

Last year was the first time I picked up a club in years.

And I was absolutely shocked at how much kettlebell training strengthened my golf swing.

I’ve had clients tell me the same thing.

Kettlebells are just the gifts that keep on giving.

Let’s jump into today’s newsletter!

🔎 What’s Inside

  • 7 kettlebell movements for abs

  • How many steps did humans get 150 years ago?

  • Why we really sleep in

  • How many muscles does it take to sing?

  • 14 cottage cheese recipes

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💪 Deep Dive

Click here to read the article on the Layman’s Fitness Website

7 Kettlebell Movements For Abs

While abs “pop” through diet, they need to be strengthened through exercise.

Here are 7 of my favorite exercises I use to strengthen my core using the kettlebell.

This dynamic hinge involves a core squeeze at the top of the motion.

This swing also requires core stability throughout the arc of the kettlebell.

I didn’t think swings worked anything, until I started using heavier kettlebells.

Heavy weight forces good form. Which engages the abs.

The get-up strengthens the core in every possible direction.

The sides of the core (obliques) are heavily involved as well.

I thought get-ups were a joke, until I tried a heavy one (71 pounds). And I couldn’t do it.

Just like swings, a heavy weight forces good form, which then requires ab strength and stability.

Offset just means imbalance.

When the body is imbalanced, it requires stability that is generated from the core.

Adding that imbalance while doing a squat becomes quite the ab strengthener.

Some options for offset KB front squats:

  • Single kettlebell: hold a KB in one hand while doing a squat

  • Double kettlebells: hold a KB in each hand, both in a different weight

The snatch requires an explosiveness from both the hips and core.

Add in lots of volume.

Try 60-100 snatches for time.

If you’re new to snatching, go light first. Then scale up as you get stronger.

This is one of my absolute favorite ab movements. I like its blend of motion and stability.

It’s done from an upright push-up position.

This doesn’t seem like it’s working anything…

Until about 20 seconds in. With heavy weight.

Then the abs start to recognize what’s happening.

Here are different ways to do this:

  • Suitcase carry: single or double

  • Racked: single or double

  • Overhead: single or double

This is my favorite deadbug variation.

The slower, the more challenging this becomes.

🔎 Finds

Here are some of my favorite finds/resources this week.

This 2004 study looked at the health habits of the Amish.

The Amish lifestyle is a proxy for life ~150 years ago.

On average, men got ~18,000 steps/day, and women ~14,000 steps/day.

0% of the men and 9% of the women had obesity (BMI > 30).

This was a helpful DesiringGod article.

It explores the battle between reason and desire, with a C.S. Lewis story sprinkled in.

Over 100.

More muscles are involved in singing than in bicep curls.

There’s something to that…

There are also over 400 mentions of singing in the Bible, with 50+ direct commands for us to sing.

I used to hate cottage cheese… all lumpy and nasty-looking.

But then I tried cottage cheese with eggs (#4 on this list).

I pretty much eat it every day now.

Add in some salsa too… it’s amazing.

🏆 Client Corner

One of my clients put a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter to make healthier options more visible and accessible.

He then asked AI to make a poem about this concept, to the tune of Amazing Grace, entitled *“The Fruitful Bowl”.

What a masterpiece.

*All rights reserved to Dan’s CounterTop Music Production Co.

👍 Ready to take the next step?

If you’re ready to prioritize your health this summer, check out LF 1-on-1 Coaching.

I’ll see you next Friday.

Be strong,

Don

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The information provided in this newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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