
When it comes to fat loss and conditioning for those of us over 40, one of the most effective—and joint-friendly—approaches I’ve found is the 20/40 kettlebell protocol.
This method is featured in one of the programs inside my Firebreather Kettlebell bundle, which we’ve got on sale for the New Year. Firebreather includes 10 of my best kettlebell programs, all built around high-output conditioning without beating your body into the ground:
-> Firebreather Kettlebell – 2025 -> 2026 New Year Jump Start Sale
One of those programs is called the KB EMOM 20/40 Fat Loss Protocol.
Research by Paoli and others has shown that short bursts of very hard effort followed by longer recovery periods—especially when done with resistance training like kettlebells—can be more effective for fat loss and improving insulin sensitivity than long, steady-state cardio.
Instead of grinding nonstop, you hit it hard, recover fully, and repeat. That’s a huge win for anyone with tired joints, old injuries, or a body that doesn’t recover like it did at 25.
Here’s an example of what a 20/40 workout might look like:
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21-min KB EMOM 20/40 Fat Loss Workout (sample from Firebreather Kettlebell)
Set your timer for:
- 20 seconds of work
- 40 seconds of rest
Rest 1–2 minutes between rounds.
Complete 3 total rounds.
Total workout time: about 18 minutes.
Example circuit:
- Kettlebell snatch (right side) – 20 sec
Rest 40 sec - Kettlebell snatch (left side) – 20 sec
Rest 40 sec - Goblet squats – heavy and challenging for 20 sec
Rest 40 sec - One-arm kettlebell row (right) – 20 sec
Rest 40 sec - One-arm kettlebell row (left) – 20 sec
Rest 40 sec - Burpees – 20 sec
Rest 40 sec
Rest 1–2 minutes, then repeat for up to 3 rounds.
This setup is different from traditional HIIT where you’re working longer with very short rest. That can work—but as we get older, it often becomes a fast track to feeling wrecked.
The 20/40 protocol lets you train hard, burn serious calories, and still recover well enough to show up strong the next day.
Give this workout a try today.
If you like it, you can get this full plan plus 9 more just like it inside my Firebreather Kettlebell bundle.
– Forest
P.S. If you’re also looking to kickstart the New Year on the lifestyle side, we’re running a Dry January edition of the Sober Warrior Challenge starting Monday, January 5. It’s a 30-day reset from alcohol with structure, movement, mindset, and support. Details and signup info are available at the link if that’s something you’ve been considering:





