Not Just Muscle
The Kettlebell Comeback Workout
Note: please read the Disclaimer. Exercise at your own risk. You shouldn’t do this workout if you are unsure whether or not you it is suitable for you. Check with your doctor before you begin an exercise program. Instruction from a certified kettlebell instructor is strongly recommended when training with kettlebells.
My Kettlebell Comeback happens on Tuesday. It will be my first workout back after 8 weeks away from training. It’s a simple workout, using only two exercises: the kettlebell swing and the Turkish get up. But in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, these exercises reign supreme.
Sarah’s Kettlebell Comeback Workout
- Warm up: wall squats, halos, pumps, hip flexor stretches
- Segment I: Two-Hand Kettlebell Swings performed in intervals of :20 work/:40 rest for 5:00.
- Segement II: Turkish Get Up Singles, alternating sides for 5:00.
- Segment III: Two-Hand Kettlebell Swings performed in intervals. Suggested: :30 work/:30 rest for 10:00. (I will gauge how I feel and decide interval periods and length of this segment at that time.)
- Cool Down
There are many ways to adapt this workout to your ability and fitness level. Obviously, the weight of the kettlebell you use for the exercises will make a difference. You could also change the work to rest intervals, change the time allowed for each segment of the workout or even eliminate one or more segments. To increase the intensity you could also perform single-hand or hand-to-hand swings instead of the two-hand swings or even substitute some high pulls or snatches.
I’m going to be using my 16kg bell for the swings. If necessary I will switch to a lighter bell. For the Turkish Get Ups, I plan to use a very light kettlebell or no weight at all.
I’d be pleased and honored if you would join me in this workout. If you do, would you please leave me a comment below and tell me how it went? Just cheering me on is great too. Thanks for being a part of my comeback!

about 1 year ago
Count me in! So glad you are recovered and ready to start training again.
about 1 year ago
Milan, you are one who has kept me smiling during this journey. Thanks, my friend, and I hope you like the workout!
about 1 year ago
Congratulations on making your comeback. You are inspiring. I feel challenged as you are using a 16 kg KB and that is what I’m still using. I’m doing Turbulence Training and the current program has w/os that include 200 KB swings. That along with everything else leaves me wiped. Still I want to make the jump to 20 kg by this summer.
All the best and God bless.
P.S. Maybe you can do a TGU with a 0.5 kg mass very soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkfg1aW3vzM
about 1 year ago
Thank you for all of the encouragement, Andrew. But no comparisons, please. TT is an amazing (and exhausting) program, and your deadlift practice is awesome. You inspire ME!
Love the special TGU video, too. I must try it!
about 1 year ago
yay!! looks like a fabulous, yet exhausting workout!
I’m going to give it a go today, although probably modified after my deadlift workout!! i’ll let you know how it goes!
about 1 year ago
Fantastic, Julia! Thank you for joining in! Let me know how it goes!