By Meredith Lyons

Most kettlebell workouts are unique in that they will increase cardiovascular capacity in addition to typical benefits associated with weight training. They’re simple and straightforward to use and with varying weight sizes and good instruction, it’s easy to start from the beginning and gradually work your way up to more intense training using the same exercises and form, but increasing your weight resistance. Check out these Chicago spots for your next kettlebell workout.

(Credit: firepowerkettlebell.com)

Fire Power Kettlebell
i.d. gym
2727 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 844-9900
www.firepowerkettlebell.com

Fire Power Kettlebell offers both group classes as well as personal training in kettlebell workouts. You don’t have to sign a contract or join a gym to participate in Fire Power classes. It offers six- and 12-class pass cards for purchase. Both personal training and group classes are run by Jennifer McGowan, who holds an advanced RKC Level II kettlebell certification. The gym has shower and parking facilities and childcare is available for an extra fee. If you’re intimidated at all by kettlebell training but think it’s something you may want to try, you can book a free consultation with McGowan by filling out the form here and decide if kettlebell training or Fire Power is right for you.

(Credit: rebellconditioning.com)

Rebell Conditioning
2831 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 687-8750
www.rebellconditioning.com

If you think you may want to take your kettlebell training further, or at least want that option, Rebell Conditioning has a multitude of classes for all levels as well as opportunities to get Russian Kettlebell Certified yourself. All classes at Rebell Conditioning are based on kettlebell training. This is not a traditional gym with treadmills and weight machines. Rebell is run by trainers Mike Connelly, former United States Marine Corps, and Ryan Steenrod, who in addition to coming from a personal training background, has also worked in physical rehabilitation. Both are certified kettlebell instructors. In addition to group classes, Rebell offers private instruction, small group instruction and workshops. Try out one of its free intro classes first by signing up here.

(Credit: chicago-fitness-and-self-defense.com)

Rhodes Fusion Fitness
538 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 637-9772
www.chicago-fitness-and-self-defense.com

Run by Prentiss Rhodes, who has an extensive martial arts background (the club also offers self-defense classes) as well as being a RKC Level 2 Instructor and having a background in chiropractic rehabilitation, Rhodes Fusion Fitness offers both beginning and advanced kettlebell classes at a variety of times. Memberships are available as drop-ins or can be purchased in three-month or yearly installments. The long-term memberships are tiered depending on how often you’d like to go to classes or if you want additional services, and it all can be purchased conveniently online. Fusion Fitness also offers a coupon for a free trial class here.

(Credit: sovietforce.com)

SovietForce
2068 1st St.
Highland Park, IL 60035

1030 W. North Ave., Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60622
(224) 392-4147
(847) 208-4341
www.sovietforce.com

If you’re looking for the ‘real deal’ and are not intimidated by the thought of hardcore kettlebell workouts, then SovietForce may be the place for you. Both instructors and owners are direct from the former Soviet Union, where kettlebell training originated. SovietForce operates out of two locations, one in the suburbs and one out of Hi Fi Fitness in Chicago. In addition to kettlebell training, SovietForce offers personal training, small group training, workshops and in-home training.

Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.