Kettlebell Training-2nd Edition

Kettlebells have been around for hundreds of years but have seen rapid international growth over the last decade. It is no wonder that kettlebells have become so popular across the world: They provide an effective and inexpensive tool for improving mobility; promote fat loss; increase endurance, strength, and power; and enhance sport performance.

Kettlebell Training, Second Edition, is an easy-to-use, no-nonsense guide that will get you started on setting goals, assessing your fitness level, and selecting exercises. You’ll learn how to exercise safely and efficiently to maximize results with 69 kettlebell programs—from beginner to advanced—for mobility, fat loss, endurance, strength, power, and sport performance. The nearly 100 exercises are accompanied by step-by-step instructions, detailed photo sequences, and training tips—instantly accessible and perfect for at home or in the gym. Also included are information about common errors and error corrections as well as sport-specific cross-training programs.

In the second edition, renowned kettlebell expert and certified strength and conditioning expert Steve Cotter provides insight into the history and value of kettlebell training. He examines the world of kettlebell sport in an interview with kettlebell sport world champion Denis Vasilev and devotes a chapter to kettlebell competition. In addition, the second edition will help you to better understand the lifestyle of kettlebell training, demonstrating how kettlebells fit into overall fitness, health, and well-being.

More than exercises, Kettlebell Training contains proven programs that will produce results. Whether you are training for performance, appearance, or general fitness, Kettlebell Training has the exercises, programs, and advice you need for the results you want. It’s a complete guide that you’ll turn to again and again.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education course and exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.

Audience

Recreational and competitive athletes, personal trainers, and strength and conditioning coaches looking to add or amp up kettlebell training.

Chapter 1. The Kettlebell Advantage
Chapter 2. Getting Started With Kettlebells
Chapter 3. Exercise Principles
Chapter 4. Basic Nutrition
Chapter 5. Setting Goals, Assessing Fitness, and Training Safely
Chapter 6. Warming Up and Cooling Down
Chapter 7. Basic Exercises
Chapter 8. Intermediate Exercises
Chapter 9. Advanced Exercises
Chapter 10. Creating a Customized Fitness Program
Chapter 11. Sport-Specific Training Programs
Chapter 12. Training for Kettlebell as a Sport
Chapter 13. Holistic Lifestyle of Kettlebell Training

Steve Cotter was the founder and director of the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation (IKFF). For more than 30 years, he promoted body–mind fitness around the world through martial arts, qigong, mobility, flexibility, and kettlebell training. He worked tirelessly to share the power of kettlebell training far and wide, and his efforts to teach his art form had a global impact on the growth and popularity of kettlebell training. His physical feats of power led him to be named one of Men’s Health magazine’s Top 100 Fittest Men of All-Time, but it was his ability to explain complex concepts that brought him global recognition as a fitness educator. He provided hands-on training to thousands of fitness professionals in over 60 nations.

In addition to Kettlebell Training, Cotter also developed the landmark Encyclopedia of Kettlebell Training DVD series, providing foundational instruction for countless trainers to learn how to use kettlebells. More than anything, Cotter loved to teach and share his unique experiences to promote health, happiness, and longevity through fitness.

Cotter consulted for numerous sport and military institutions, including the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers; MLB’s Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, and Los Angeles Dodgers; NHL’s Anaheim Ducks; the University of Texas; San Diego State University; U.S. Navy SEALs (Seal Team 6, Virginia Beach); and the Marine Corps Martial Arts Center of Excellence at Quantico. He also taught at prestigious fitness conferences around the world, including IDEA World, IDEA Personal Trainer Institute, International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), Arnold Sports Festival, National Strength and Conditioning Association, FIBO, FIBO China, Nike China Super Workshop, Nike Blast, Asia Fitness Conference, Indonesia Fitness Expo, FILEX, canfitpro, Athlean-X Games, East Coast Alliance, Certified Professional Trainers Network, Perform Better Summit, and Perform Better Europe. Steve Cotter passed away in 2025.

“Kettlebell sport is an extraordinarily effective physical and mental activity. I’m grateful to Steve Cotter for bringing kettlebell workouts and kettlebell sport to the next level by making it easy to understand and easy for the fitness community to accept. Kettlebell Training, Second Edition, is the most comprehensive and well-organized guide to training with kettlebells. It is a must-read for anyone interested in getting fit with kettlebells.”
—Denis Vasilev, Kettlebell Sport World Champion

“Anyone looking to improve their movement skills, and overall health and well-being, will find exactly what they are looking for in Steve Cotter’s new edition of Kettlebell Training.”
—David Weck, Founder of WeckMethod and Inventor of the BOSU Balance Trainer

“Steve Cotter is the world’s leading authority in kettlebell training. This book should be your number one resource.”
—Jose Vazquez, PT, CSCS, Major League Strength Coach for the Texas Rangers Baseball Club

“Steve Cotter has turned the martial arts aspect of kettlebell into an art form. His book, Kettlebell Training, will help you efficiently achieve your fitness goals and improve your well-being.”
—Xande Ribeiro, IBJJF Hall of Famer

History of kettlebell and kettlebell sport
Sample kettlebell training programs
What is circular strength?