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Kettlebell Training That Actually Works – Strength, Power & Endurance

Old School Kettlebell Training with Liam OBrien of The Angry Vegan

Kettlebell training isn’t new, flashy, or complicated - but it works. If you want to build real strength, fix your mobility, and develop the kind of fitness that actually carries over into your life, you’re in the right place.

I’ve spent years coaching and competing in Girevoy Sport, the endurance-based kettlebell lifting discipline that separates the lifters from the pretenders. I’ve trained under some of the best in the world - Steve Cotter, Ivan Denisov, Gregor Sobocan - and coached athletes at every level, from first-time lifters to national champions. I know what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t.

Whether you train in our private gym in Huddersfield or follow my online coaching, you’ll get the same no-nonsense kettlebell programming that actually delivers results. You won’t be flailing around with a weight, hoping for the best - you’ll be learning how to move properly, lift efficiently, and get stronger for life.

And before you ask - no, kettlebells won’t make you ‘bulky’, and they’re not just for people who already know what they’re doing. Whether you’re a man over 35 looking to reclaim your strength or a woman navigating menopause and wanting to stay strong, kettlebells are one of the best tools you can train with.

So, are you ready to stop wasting time on half-hearted workouts and start training with intent? 

Why Kettlebells? Strength, Power & Endurance in One Tool

Kettlebells aren’t just another bit of gym kit, they’re one of the most effective and versatile training tools ever created. If you want to build real-world strength, develop serious endurance, and move better, kettlebells should be in your hands.

Unlike machines - and even barbells to some extent - kettlebells train strength in multiple planes of motion, challenging your body to stabilise, adjust, and move more naturally. Their off-centre weight distribution forces your body to stabilise and engage muscles you didn’t even know existed, meaning you’re not just building strength, you’re building control, coordination, and resilience.

Here’s why kettlebells beat half the stuff you’ll find in a commercial gym:

✔️ Strength & Conditioning in One – Kettlebells don’t just build strength; they develop power, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness at the same time.


✔️ Functional Strength That Transfers to Real Life – Lifting, carrying, pressing, swinging – movements that actually make you stronger outside the gym, not just in it.


✔️ Bulletproof Shoulders & Iron Grip – The combination of overhead work, swings, and carries builds shoulder stability, grip strength, and joint health better than most gym machines.


✔️ Mobility Without the Fluff – You won’t need to spend 30 minutes stretching when your training itself keeps you mobile, stable, and strong.


✔️ Train Anywhere, Anytime – Whether you’re in a gym or your garage, one kettlebell can replace an entire rack of dumbbells.

The truth is, kettlebells work for everyone – whether you’re a man over 35 trying to rebuild strength and avoid the slow decline, or a woman navigating menopause and looking to stay strong, mobile, and full of energy.

If you’ve been wasting time hopping between weight machines, spin classes, and whatever random workout is trending this month, it’s time to stop. Pick up a kettlebell – I’ll show you how to use it properly.

Built Under the Bells – My Journey in Kettlebell Sport

 

I first picked up a kettlebell in 2007, back when they were still considered some kind of underground fitness cult outside of Russia. I started as an Extreme Kettlebell Instructor, swinging my way through the basics, but it wasn’t long before I realised there was more to these lumps of iron than just circuits and conditioning workouts.

 

By 2010, I dipped my toe into the world of Girevoy Sport - competitive kettlebell lifting - and quickly learned that everything I thought I knew about strength and endurance was wrong. This wasn’t about mindless reps or flinging weights around for the sake of it, it was about efficiency, technique, and brutal mental endurance. That same year, I qualified as an Aggressive Strength Coach with Mike Mahler, further deepening my understanding of strength programming.

Ivan Denisov, Liam OBrien, Gregor and Tajda Sobocan

Then, in 2012, I took things up a notch. I qualified as an IKFF Instructor with Steve Cotter in Athens, Greece, refining my technique under one of the best in the game. But learning from a distance wasn’t enough. If I was going to master this sport, I needed to train with the best, in person.

 

So, I travelled to Kilkenny, Ireland every Saturday to train under Eddie Sheehan, one of Ireland’s most respected Girevoy Sport coaches. And when I wasn’t in Kilkenny, I was flying to Ljubljana, Slovenia, training with Masters of Sport Gregor and Tajda Sobocan, and Absolute World Champion and World Kettlebell Club Head Coach Ivan Denisov - one of the strongest kettlebell lifters to ever step onto a platform.

Back in Yorkshire, I knew we needed a home for serious kettlebell athletes - so in 2012, I founded the Yorkshire Kettlebell Team, training out of Yorkshire Kettlebell Club in Rotherham. By 2013, we weren’t just another club - we were one of the biggest and most successful kettlebell teams in the UK, regularly competing throughout Europe. The team produced some incredible lifters, and by 2014, many of them had moved on, some to national teams, some to new challenges, but the Yorkshire Kettlebell name lives on in our current gym in Huddersfield.

Kettlebell Training for Women with Fran OBrien of The Angry Vegan Personal Training

🧘‍♀️ Improves Balance, Mobility & Joint Health – The dynamic nature of kettlebell training strengthens stabiliser muscles, improving coordination and making everyday movements easier.

🧠 Sharpens Focus & Boosts Mood – Strength training has been proven to reduce anxiety, balance hormones, and improve mental clarity, all of which can take a hit during menopause.

🚀 Efficient & Time-Saving – Unlike traditional strength training, you don’t need to spend hours in the gym. Kettlebell workouts are short, powerful, and effective, meaning you get more results in less time.

Training With Me

As a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and strength coach, I specialise in helping women build strength the right way - with proper technique, safe, progressive programming, and a focus on long-term results.

💮 Whether you train in person or online, you’ll get a structured programme that fits your lifestyle.

 

💮 No complicated machines, no intimidation - just you, a kettlebell, and a plan that works.

💮 You don’t need to be strong to start - but if you start, you’ll get strong.

Ready to build strength that actually supports your body? Let’s get started.

Kettlebells & Women’s Strength – Why They’re a Game-Changer

 

If you’ve ever thought kettlebell training was just for big blokes in chalk-covered gym gear, I’m here to set the record straight. Kettlebells are one of the most effective tools for women - especially during menopause and beyond.

Why? Because they do more than just build muscle. They strengthen bones, improve mobility, and fire up metabolism - three things that become even more important as we get older. The unique way kettlebells move forces your body to work as one unit, strengthening the muscles around your joints and improving balance - something that’s crucial for preventing injuries and keeping you moving well for years to come.​

How Kettlebells Help During Menopause

 

💪 Strengthens Bones & Fights Osteoporosis – The impact of strength training signals your body to preserve and build bone density, reducing the risk of fractures as you age.

🔥 Boosts Metabolism & Fights Stubborn Weight Gain – Muscle is metabolically active tissue, which means the more you have, the more calories you burn, even at rest. Kettlebells give you a full-body workout that builds lean muscle and torches fat at the same time.

Nick kettlebell training with The Angry Vegan

Stronger, Leaner, Fitter – Why Kettlebell Training Works

 

If you’re looking for a single tool that builds strength, endurance, power, mobility, and resilience – kettlebells are it. No other form of training blends raw strength with real-world athleticism quite like them.

Kettlebells don’t just train muscles, they train movement. That means stronger hips, more explosive power, better posture, and greater overall fitness. The unique design of the kettlebell shifts the centre of mass away from your grip, forcing your body to stabilise, engage, and adapt in ways that dumbbells and barbells simply don’t.

✔️ Build Strength & Muscle – Full-body, multi-joint lifts like swings, presses, and squats develop real-world strength that carries over into everyday life.

✔️ Cardio Without the Boredom – Kettlebell training isn’t just strength work – it skyrockets your cardiovascular fitness without forcing you onto a treadmill.

✔️ Core Strength Like Nothing Else – Every kettlebell lift demands core engagement, building a rock-solid midsection without a single crunch or sit-up.

✔️ Mobility & Flexibility on Auto-Pilot – Unlike machines or static weights, kettlebell movements demand flexibility and mobility – improving shoulder health, hip function, and overall movement without needing a separate mobility session.

✔️ Serious Fat Loss & Conditioning – The dynamic nature of kettlebell training torches calories, ramps up metabolism, and improves work capacity, all while keeping training fun and engaging.

✔️ Stronger Bones, Healthier Joints – The combination of resistance and movement fortifies bones and improves joint integrity, reducing the risk of injury and protecting against age-related decline.

Whether you’re looking to build muscle, lose fat, move better, or just feel stronger in daily life, kettlebells deliver. They don’t waste time, they don’t need fancy machines, and they don’t let you off the hook.

Pick one up, start moving, and feel the difference.

Mastering Kettlebell Technique – Why Coaching Matters

 

Kettlebells are brilliant, but only if you use them properly. And let’s be honest, most people don’t.

The kettlebell swing alone is one of the most butchered exercises on the planet - half the gym population squats it, while the other half flings the bell around like they’re trying to swat a wasp.

The truth is, kettlebell training isn’t just about effort, t’s about execution. Done right, kettlebells make you stronger, leaner, and more resilient than ever. Done wrong, they’re just a fast track to sore wrists, an aching back, and the kind of frustration that makes you wonder why you ever bothered.

So, before you start swinging a kettlebell around like a cowboy at a rodeo, let’s get something straight: technique matters. A lot.

The Most Common Kettlebell Mistakes (And Why They’re Holding You Back)

 

✔️ The Squat Swing:  If your kettlebell swing looks like a squat with a front raise, you’re doing it wrong. The swing is a hinge, not a squat - think hips back, not down. If you’re feeling it in your quads instead of your hamstrings and glutes, we need to have words.

 

✔️ The “Floppy Fish” Press: A kettlebell press should be solid and controlled, not a wobbly, half-hearted shove that looks like you’re fending off an invisible attacker. If your shoulder is shaking like a pensioner in a snowstorm, you need to learn proper bracing and positioning.

 

✔️ The Wrist-Smashing Snatch: If every kettlebell snatch feels like you’re punching yourself in the wrist, you’re doing it wrong. It’s not about flinging the bell - it’s about guiding it into position smoothly, like passing someone a pint without spilling a drop.

 

✔️ The Death Grip: If your forearms are screaming in pain after 30 seconds, chances are you’re gripping the bell like your life depends on it. Kettlebell training is about efficiency, using just enough tension to stay in control without clamping down like a vice.

Why Proper Kettlebell Technique Changes Everything

 

Kettlebells aren’t like dumbbells or barbells, you don’t just pick them up and hope for the best. The way you move, grip, and generate power dictates your results.

✔️ More Strength, Less Risk: When you lift properly, you train harder with less chance of injury. You don’t want kettlebell training to be the reason you need a chiropractor on speed dial.

✔️ Better Efficiency, Faster Results: Good form means more work done in less time. A well-executed kettlebell session can build strength, endurance, and mobility all at once, without wasted effort.

✔️ Train For Years, Not Just a Few Months : A well-trained lifter gets stronger for life. A poorly trained one spends half their time injured. If you want to be lifting well into your fifties, sixties, and beyond, technique isn’t optional - it’s essential.

How I Coach Kettlebells the Right Way

 

✔️ Step-by-Step Coaching – Whether you’re a complete beginner or a lifter looking to fine-tune technique, I break down every movement into clear, actionable steps. No overcomplicating, no fluff - just real coaching that works.

 

✔️ The Value of Video Feedback – Think online coaching means you’re left to figure it out alone? Not a chance. Video feedback is a game-changer. You send me clips, I break down your form, and we tweak it until you’re lifting like a pro.

 

✔️ Why Even Experienced Lifters Need Coaching – I’ve been training with kettlebells for nearly two decades, and I still learned from some of the best in the world. The best athletes in the world still have coaches, because strength isn’t just about effort, t’s about getting the details right.

You Could Train Alone… But Why Make It Harder Than It Needs to Be?

 

Kettlebell training is one of the most effective ways to get stronger, fitter, and more mobile. But only if you do it right.

 

You could spend months guessing your way through it, picking up bad habits along the way… or you could train properly from day one.

 

🚀 Want to learn kettlebells the right way? Let’s get started.

Angry Vegan veteran Jacqui training kettlebells!

How I Coach Kettlebell Training – In Person & Online

 

You’ve probably seen those “follow-along” kettlebell workouts on YouTube - 30 minutes of flailing, random reps, and no real structure. If that’s how you’re training, you might as well be swinging a shopping bag full of tins.

Kettlebell training done properly is a skill, not a random workout. That’s where coaching comes in.

At The Angry Vegan, whether you train with me in person or online, you’re getting proper structured coaching, not guesswork, not fluff, and definitely not workouts pulled from some influencer’s TikTok.

In-Person Coaching – Train at Yorkshire Kettlebell Club

 

✔️ Private Gym, Real Coaching – No waiting for equipment, no distractions—just focused, structured kettlebell training in a fully equipped strength gym.

 

✔️ Hands-On Technique Correction – I coach every lift, every rep, every set. You’re not just "doing kettlebell training"—you’re learning how to do it properly.

 

✔️ Training Plans That Make Sense – Every session follows progressive programming designed to build strength, endurance, and technical skill. You’re not here to guess—you’re here to get stronger.

Online Coaching – The Next Best Thing to Training With Me in Person

 

If you think online coaching is just being handed a workout plan and sent on your way, think again. Kettlebell training requires technical feedback, and that’s exactly what you’ll get.

✔️ Video Coaching & Technique Breakdown – You send me clips of your lifts, and I send detailed feedback on exactly how to improve.

✔️ Live Video Sessions – One-to-one coaching over video, so you can learn proper form with real-time corrections.

 

✔️ Custom Programming – This isn’t “do 100 swings and hope for the best.” Your plan is tailored to you, your goals, and your ability level.

 

✔️ Accountability & Support – Check-ins, progress tracking, and coaching advice that keeps you on track, improving, and injury-free.

 

What’s the Best Option for You?

 

✔️ Want hands-on coaching? Train with me at Yorkshire Kettlebell Club in Huddersfield.

✔️ Need flexibility and expert coaching from anywhere? My online coaching gives you structured programming and real feedback, no matter where you are.

 

Either way, you’re getting kettlebell coaching that actually works.

 

🚀 Ready to train? Let’s get started.

Ready to Train? Let’s Get to Work

 

You’ve got two options: keep second-guessing your training or start using kettlebells properly with expert coaching that actually works.

 

✔️ Train in-person at Yorkshire Kettlebell Club -  Hands-on coaching, real technique correction, and structured programming tailored to you.

 

✔️ Train online from anywhere  -  Personalised programming, real feedback on your lifts, and expert coaching delivered straight to your inbox.

 

✔️ Not sure where to start? My free ‘Not Dead Yet’ kettlebell course is the perfect way to learn the basics, get moving, and experience my coaching before committing to a full programme.

 

No fluff. No wasted time. Just real kettlebell training that builds strength, endurance, and confidence.

🚀 Ready to start? Hit the button below and let’s get to work.

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All content on this website, including the bits you skimmed over because you thought you already knew it, is © Liam O'Brien 2025.

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