The holidays are such a whirlwind of cooking, family, and way too many cookies, so finding time to move can feel impossible.
I get it, which is why I kept this christmas workout short, simple, and doable right in your living room.
All you need is one kettlebell and a little space for this full body kettlebell workout, with eight quick moves that hit everything.
Goblet Squat
Whenever I start a lower body session, I want something simple first, and this is it.
Don’t let beginner-friendly fool you though, because your legs and glutes still get a proper wake-up call.
So even though this fun christmas workout looks festive, your quads will know they worked by the end.
How to perform:
- Hold one kettlebell at chest height with both hands.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out.
- Push your hips back and bend your knees to lower.
- Sink until your thighs reach about parallel.
- Drive through your heels to stand back up.
Halo Twist
Your shoulders and core are about to team up for this one.
It looks gentle, but I’m always surprised how much that slow controlled movement lights up my whole midsection.
No crunches needed here, just smooth circles and a little holiday workout flair.
How to perform:
- Hold one kettlebell upside down by the horns, at chest.
- Circle the bell around your head, keeping it close.
- Twist your torso gently as the weight travels around.
- Reverse the direction and circle back the other way.
- Keep your core tight and shoulders relaxed throughout.
Curl, Press & Extend
Here’s where you get three moves rolled into one smooth sequence.
Your arms and shoulders do most of the talking, so expect them to feel it by the last round.
I lean on combos like this when I’m short on time, and there’s plenty of that during the holidays.
How to perform:
- Hold one kettlebell with both hands by your hips.
- Curl the bell up toward your shoulders.
- Press it overhead until your arms straighten.
- Lower it behind your head, then extend back up.
- Reverse the sequence to return to your hips.
Cleans
This one felt clunky for me too the first few times, so don’t sweat it.
It takes a bit of coordination, but that’s part of what makes it satisfying once it clicks.
The day the timing finally came together, I could feel my whole back and core working as one.
How to perform:
- Hold one kettlebell in one hand, hanging between your legs.
- Hinge at your hips with a flat back, soft knees.
- Drive through your hips to pull the bell up close.
- Catch it at your shoulder, elbow tucked in.
- Lower with control, then switch hands and repeat.
Gorilla Rows
Yes, the name is as fun as it sounds.
This one works your back and biceps from a low, grounded position, so it stays steady even while you pull.
It’s one of my favorites in here, so give it a real shot before you write it off.
How to perform:
- Set one kettlebell on the floor between your feet.
- Hinge forward until your torso nears parallel, back flat.
- Grab the handle and row the bell to your hip.
- Lower it toward the floor with control.
- Switch hands at the bottom and row the other side.
Figure 8 Lunges
Think of this as a workout and a coordination puzzle rolled together.
All that weaving keeps my brain just as busy as my muscles, which is the part I look forward to.
It’s playful and great for balance, so it’s the perfect midpoint for any christmas workout challenge.
How to perform:
- Hold one kettlebell low in front with both hands.
- Step one leg back into a reverse lunge.
- Weave the bell in a figure-eight around your front leg.
- Drive through your front foot to stand back up.
- Switch legs and repeat on the other side.
Romanian Deadlifts
If you’ve ever wanted stronger glutes and hamstrings, this is the move for you.
I take this one slow on purpose, because that’s where the real work happens and your form stays honest.
It carries over to so much day to day too, like lifting bags or hauling groceries up the stairs.
How to perform:
- Hold one kettlebell with both hands at your thighs.
- Push your hips back and hinge with a flat back.
- Slide the bell down your legs toward your shins.
- Drive your hips forward to stand and squeeze your glutes.
- Keep the bell close to your legs throughout.
Kettlebell Swings
You’ve made it to the grand finale.
I love ending on swings, since they get your heart pumping and hit your glutes, hips, and core at once.
End strong here, and you’ll close out this holiday session feeling like you earned that extra cookie.
How to perform:
- Hold one kettlebell with both hands, arms hanging in front.
- Hinge at your hips and swing the bell back between your legs.
- Keep your back flat and knees softly bent.
- Drive your hips forward to swing the bell up.
- Let it rise to chest height, then swing back down.
Article Medically reviewed by
I’m fitness coach Ashley Castleberry, an NASM-certified personal trainer and nutritionist, as well as a coach on an established YouTube Channel with over 1 million followers. With certifications from major fitness brands, I specialize in athletic, HIIT, and strength training. Leveraging my experience coaching clients on lifestyle changes, I provide customized exercise and nutrition guidance to help people reach their fitness goals, whether that be weight loss, muscle gain or overall health improvement.
