15 Minute Kettlebell Ab Workout Mix & Match Exercises

If you want killer abs, or want to work your core without having to do a million crunches, then the kettlebell ab workout below is for you! Scroll down to find 5 kettlebell ab exercises that you can mix and match to create the perfect 15-minute kettlebell ab workout.

Don’t want to do crunches? No “sweat”. Well, lots of it actually. Substitute them for twists or bends. That’s one of the advantages of kettlebell ab workouts, you can modify them to meet your preferences.

And if you need more of a challenge, you’re in luck. You can increase the weight of the kettlebell or increase the reps to give yourself more intensity. That’s the beauty of using free weights such as kettlebells; they can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.  

Kettlebell Russian Twist

Sets: 3 sets 

Repetitions: 10-15 reps

Russian twists are perfect to tone and sculpt your sides as they work both your obliques and rectus abdominis.

1. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and feet lifted off the ground. Lean back slightly.
2. Grab your kettlebell and twist your torso to your left side lifting the kettlebell in the same direction.
3. Keep your abs engaged to prevent them from rotating freely. This is where your abdominal muscles are working.
4. Repeat for 10-15 reps for 3 sets depending on weight. 

Kettlebell Sit Up

Sets: 3 sets 

Repetitions: 10-15 reps

These kettlebell sit-ups are not only great for your abs but also give your back and hips quite a workout too!

1. Lie down on your back while holding your kettlebell with both hands. 
2. Place your feet on the ground and bend your legs. 
3. Curl your body up then lift the kettlebell up to the ceiling while engaging your abdominals and bring it back down.
4. Slowly lower yourself down.

Resurrected Dead Bug

Sets: 3 sets 

Repetitions: 8-10 reps 

Bring your obliques to life with these resurrected dead bugs.

1. Lie down on your back while holding your kettlebell with both hands.
2. Extend your arms out in front of your chest.  
3. Bring your knees to your chest like a regular dead bug. Extend one leg forward while keeping core engaged.
4. Slowly bring your leg back to return to tabletop position.
5. Repeat with your other leg. 

Kettlebell Standing Side Bend

Sets: 3 sets 

Repetitions: 10 reps each side 

Get off the floor and work your obliques to really strengthen your core.

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Hold your kettlebell in your left hand down by your side.  
3. Slowly slide the kettlebell down your left leg, keeping your abs engaged and tight. 
4. Once you’ve lowered the kettlebell as far as you can without bending your knees, pull the kettlebell back up and return to the starting position.
5. Repeat on the right side.

Kettlebell Plank Drag

Sets: 3 sets 

Repetitions: 10 reps 

Work your core, obliques, upper back, lats, and glutes with this plank.

1. Start in a high plank position with your kettlebell behind your right hand. 
2. Reach your left hand beneath your torso to grab the kettlebell on your right side while still holding your plank by engaging abs.
3. Drag the kettlebell beneath your torso and over to the left side and place it behind where your left hand would go in a plank. 
4. Place your left hand back down on the floor. 
5. Repeat by reaching the right hand under to grab and drag the kettlebell to the other side.

These “abs-centric” exercises can be combined to create a custom and fun kettlebell ab workout that helps you reach your fitness and aesthetic goals. If you have one we missed, leave it in the comments below. 

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