The Angry Vegan
PERSONAL TRAINING
Est. 2007
Kettlebell Training That Actually Works – Strength, Power & Endurance
From Competition Platform to Coaching on the Gym Floor
I’ve been training, competing, and coaching with kettlebells since long before they were fashionable. I’ve represented Yorkshire in Girevoy Sport across Europe, trained with world-class lifters including Ivan Denisov, Gregor and Tajda Sobocan, Steve Cotter, and Mike Mahler, and built a level of experience you won’t find anywhere else in the region.
But for most people I coach, kettlebells aren’t about medals – they’re about results. Kettlebells are one of the most effective, versatile tools for building strength, fitness, and resilience, especially for men and women over 35. Whether your goal is moving better, building muscle, improving endurance, or simply feeling stronger day to day, kettlebell training delivers.
This isn’t theory. It’s training proven in competition, refined through decades of coaching, and tailored to work for real people with real lives.
Why Train With Kettlebells?
Kettlebells are one of the most versatile and effective tools in strength training. They combine the benefits of lifting weights, cardiovascular conditioning, and mobility work in a way few other methods can match. That’s why they’ve been used for centuries – and why they’ve stood the test of time while countless fitness trends have come and gone.
Pavel Tsatsouline – the man who introduced kettlebells to the West – summed it up perfectly: “The kettlebell is an ancient Russian tool that forges strength, endurance, and toughness like no other. It trains not just muscles, but movement patterns, turning the body into a more efficient machine” (Enter the Kettlebell!, 2006).
Steve Cotter – one of the world’s most respected kettlebell coaches and a pioneer of modern kettlebell sport – highlights how the benefits go far beyond brute strength: “Kettlebell lifting develops not only strength and endurance but also mental focus and resilience – attributes that carry over into every part of life.”
Mike Mahler – well known for his no-nonsense strength methods – is even more direct: “Unlike many fitness fads, the kettlebell has stood the test of time because it works. It combines strength, conditioning, and mobility in one compact, brutally effective package” (Aggressive Strength Solution).
What all of these world-class coaches are saying is the same thing I’ve seen time and again in my own coaching – kettlebells deliver results. Whether it’s strength, power, endurance, or all-round fitness, the kettlebell can be adapted to your goals. From traditional swings and Turkish get-ups to the highly technical lifts of Girevoy Sport, the kettlebell builds not just muscle, but resilience, movement quality, and work capacity.
This isn’t about following the latest craze. It’s about using a proven training tool, taught correctly, to get stronger, fitter, and more capable – both in and out of the gym.
Your Coach
I first qualified as an Extreme Kettlebell Coach in London in 2008, before going on to complete my IKFF coaching qualification in Athens with Steve Cotter – one of the true pioneers of modern kettlebell training. His sudden passing in 2025 was a huge loss to the kettlebell community, and I count myself fortunate to have learned directly from him.
In 2012, I trained in London with Mike Mahler, earning my Aggressive Strength Coaching certification and developing a deeper understanding of strength programming with kettlebells. The following year I qualified as both a World Kettlebell Club Coach and an EGSA Coach in Slovenia, under the guidance of Ivan Denisov (World Kettlebell Club Head Coach) and Gregor and Tajda Sobocan, both Masters of Kettlebell Sport International Class.
This path has taken me from Huddersfield to Europe’s kettlebell strongholds, competing and learning alongside the very best in the world. It means that when you train with me, you’re not just getting a workout — you’re getting the benefit of decades of proven coaching, competition experience, and direct tutelage from some of the most respected names in kettlebell history.
All of that experience matters for one reason – it makes me a better coach. Whether you’re learning your first swing or refining your snatch technique, my job is to make sure every rep is performed with perfect form and every set builds strength, resilience, and results that carry over into real life.
Client Story - Alan and Clair
"I had been looking into learning kettlebell training and came across Liam. His knowledge is incredible, having trained and competed with some of the best in the world. He focused on good form first, then built me up to routines that give a workout like nothing I’ve ever done. I’m over 55, and I’m in the best condition I’ve been in for years.
My wife has been training with Fran, and she’s noticed a big difference in her strength and conditioning too. Between them, they really know how to get results."
What Kettlebell Training Looks Like
When most people think of kettlebells, they picture a few random swings thrown into a circuit. That’s not what we do here. Kettlebell training, when coached properly, is a complete system for building strength, conditioning, and movement quality.
With me, sessions are structured, progressive, and built around your ability. You’ll learn the foundations – swings, cleans, presses, squats – before moving into more advanced lifts like the snatch or jerk. Every movement has a purpose, whether it’s improving power, endurance, or simply helping you move better in daily life.
If you’re interested in Girevoy Sport, we can take it further – building the technique, rhythm, and resilience required for long sets on the platform. And if your goal is general strength and fitness, kettlebells remain one of the most versatile tools you can use, giving you more benefit from one piece of kit than most gyms full of machines.
Kettlebell training with me isn’t guesswork – it’s focused, tailored, and proven to deliver results.
What to Expect:
-
Proper coaching on the key lifts – swing, clean, press, squat, snatch, jerk
-
Sessions structured for progress, not random workouts
-
Technique drilled for safety, efficiency, and long-term results
-
Conditioning that carries over into real life, not just the gym
-
Options to train for Girevoy Sport competition or general strength and fitness
-
Every rep with purpose – no wasted effort
Kettlebells in My Coaching
"While Liam focuses on traditional and competition kettlebell lifting, I use kettlebells as part of my coaching for women who want to feel stronger, healthier, and more confident through midlife and beyond.
I like kettlebells because they’re so adaptable. In my sessions, I might use them for controlled squats to build leg strength, swings to improve cardiovascular fitness, or presses to support shoulder health. The movements are straightforward, effective, and easy to scale to your ability.
For many of the women I work with, kettlebells are a great introduction to strength training. They don’t feel as intimidating as heavy barbells, but they still deliver real results – from better bone density and muscle tone to improved balance and everyday confidence.
So whether you’re learning the basics with me or moving into advanced lifts with Liam, kettlebells are a tool that work for everyone – and they’ll give you results you can actually feel."
Client Story - Penny
"In my early fifties, after years in a desk-based job, I retrained for physically demanding conservation work. Fran has been brilliant at tailoring exercise programmes that build my strength, and her encouragement has helped me regain confidence. I’d highly recommend training with her."
The Benefits of Kettlebell Training
Kettlebells aren’t just another bit of kit – they’ve earned their place in serious training for a reason. They deliver results you can feel, whether your goal is strength, fitness, or simply moving better as you get older.
Here’s why they deserve a place in your programme:
-
Strength & Power – Swings, cleans, and presses train your whole body, not just isolated muscles. Kettlebells build grip strength, explosive hip drive, and full-body power that carries into everyday life.
-
Cardio & Conditioning – Few tools can get your heart rate up as fast. Studies show kettlebell circuits improve cardiovascular fitness as effectively as traditional cardio – but with added strength benefits.
-
Bone & Joint Health – The Royal Osteoporosis Society highlights strength training as one of the best ways to protect bone density, and kettlebells provide controlled, dynamic loading that supports joint health too.
-
Efficiency – One kettlebell, one small space, and a handful of movements can give you a full-body workout in under an hour. No wasted time, just training that works.
-
Confidence – Mastering kettlebells is empowering. You’ll feel stronger, more capable, and in control – whether that’s lifting heavier at the gym or simply moving better in daily life.
This isn’t just another trend. It’s simple, proven, and backed by decades of use in both athletic competition and general fitness.
Kettlebells aren’t magic – but used properly, they deliver measurable progress. Whether you’re chasing strength goals, improving health through midlife, or just wanting training that actually works, kettlebells give you the results to back it up.
Ready to Train with Kettlebells?
Kettlebell training is simple, effective, and results-driven - when it’s taught properly. Whether you want to master the basics, refine your technique, or build lasting strength, the first step is booking a free session.
Come down to our private gym, try it for yourself, and see why kettlebells are one of the most effective tools you’ll ever use.
More about kettlebell training:
At The Angry Vegan Personal Training, kettlebells aren’t a trend – they’re the foundation of our coaching. Liam has almost two decades of experience training with kettlebells, from competing in Girevoy Sport across Europe to qualifying under world-class coaches like Steve Cotter, Mike Mahler, and Ivan Denisov. That background means every swing, clean, press, and snatch you learn here is taught properly, with attention to detail and a clear plan for progress.
Kettlebell training is proven to improve strength, mobility, conditioning, and resilience – benefits recognised by organisations including the NHS and the Royal Osteoporosis Society. For men over 35, it builds muscle and lasting strength.
For women, especially those navigating perimenopause and menopause, it supports bone health, confidence, and long-term fitness. Training takes place in our fully private Huddersfield gym, Yorkshire Kettlebell Club, where you’ll have expert coaching and the right environment to focus. Whether your goal is everyday strength, competition-level technique, or simply feeling fitter, kettlebells are one of the most effective tools you’ll ever use – and you’ll only find this level of experience and coaching here.