r/Kettlebell_training

Hi gang. I’ve just started running Iron Cardio by Brett Jones and I’m wondering if I still need traditional barbell work.

I’m mainly looking to maintain strength while boosting conditioning / endurance.

I’m considering whether two sessions per week of IC with one barbell strength day would suffice, or whether running IC as is would work.

My 1RMs on the big 3 are:

- Bench: 110kg/245lbs
- Squat: 150kg/330lbs
- Deadlift: 180kg/396lbs

My gym’s KBs only go up to 24kg/52lbs.

I’m curious to know how most people here prefer to train with kettlebells.

Do you usually follow a structured program with progression, or do you prefer more freestyle sessions with random complexes and different exercises every workout?
For the first few years, I trained mostly in a random way. I focused on learning movements, improving technique, and trying different flows and complexes. It was fun and helped me build a good foundation.
Then I tried Pavel Tsatsouline’s Simple & Sinister. I liked it at first, but after a while it became repetitive and I lost motivation.

The real turning point for me was discovering the Armor Building Formula by Dan John. After completing it, I started following some training programs from the Kettlebell Craft app (which has been fantastic for me). Since then, I’ve noticed significant improvements in strength across multiple exercises.

At the same time, I often see people online who seem to train without a clear progression model and just perform many different exercises and complexes every session — and some of them still look incredibly strong and athletic.
So now I’m wondering:
- Do you think structured progression is essential for long-term results with kettlebells?
- Or can a more intuitive/random style of training work just as well?
- How do you personally train?

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