1. Invest in Quality Equipment

“Most kettlebells out there are made by fitness equipment manufacturers, not by people who actually use kettlebells. The Dragon Door bells are the ones I’ve had for 20-plus years—the balance, the handle feel, the finish—it all matters. Don’t go for the rubber-coated ones thinking they’ll save your floor. Don’t drop your bell in the first place.”

2. Learn Hardstyle for the Best All-Around Results

“In hardstyle training, you’re hitting all three types of muscular fitness—strength, explosive power, and muscular endurance. You also get mobility, flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning, and body composition benefits. Plus, there’s a neuromuscular component—you have to be mentally engaged.”

3. Don’t Trust Gimmicks

“You can put a handle on a dumbbell, but it’s not the same. The kettlebell’s center of gravity is offset, and that forces your body to recruit stabilizers in ways a dumbbell never will. Same thing with adjustable or sand-filled bells—if it’s held together by a pin and you’re swinging it around, I’m not trusting that.”

4. Fix Your Form and Train Barefoot

“I see a lot of people doing cleans wrong—they’re banging their arms and putting stress on their elbows. You have to understand the back swing is the most important part for hitting the posterior chain. And if a trainer has you in thick, cushioned shoes for kettlebell work—run for the door. You want to root to the floor. I train barefoot most of the time.”

5. Keep it Safe and Simple

“Always have your kettlebells in front of you—never behind. If you lose a rep, fail backward, don’t try to save it. You don’t need a room full of bells. Four kettlebells can last you a lifetime if you know how to use them. During COVID, I got stronger with just two bells and bodyweight work because I focused on movement, not equipment.”

If you want to learn more about Phil Ross’s training, you can find his videos, certifications, and workshops at PhilRoss.com and BodyBellMethod.com. Listen to more tips in the interview below.