Today at my personal training studio in Kansas City, we kicked off day two of our EDKT method kettlebell workouts.

(This is one thing that makes me unique, in my humble opinion—unlike the internet fitness gurus who just write about training, I actually use these methods in person with my clients and in my own training, rather than just sitting behind a computer all day.)

After Tuesday’s session, my group came back today saying they were sore—which didn’t surprise me, but also kind of did.

EDKT (Escalating Density Kettlebell Training) looks simple on the surface, but the magic happens in how it works. It allows you to get more work done in less time, rapidly improve work capacity, burn more calories than a traditional workout, and build muscle as a side effect.

It’s extremely effective, and when combined with the customized meal planning we’re doing in my upcoming 28-day challenge, the goal is to help you lose up to one full size in 28 days. This isn’t just a PDF to follow along with—I’ll be there to coach you through every step.

Try a Free Sample EDKT Workout

Part 1 – 7-Minute AMRAP

• 10 alternating REVERSE KB goblet lunges (per side)
• 10 recline rows OR max pull-ups (leaving one rep in the tank) OR 10 single-arm KB rows per side

Part 2 – 7-Minute AMRAP

• 15 two-arm kettlebell swings (beginner) OR 8 one-arm swings per side (intermediate) OR 8 kettlebell snatches per side (advanced)
• 10 push-ups (beginner) OR 10 feet-elevated push-ups (advanced)

Part 3 – 7-Minute AMRAP

• 12 KB towel bicep curls
• 10 KB halo + tricep extensions
• 30 jumping jacks

The Science Behind It

Originally, EDKT sets were designed to be 12 to 15 minutes, but I’ve adapted them for kettlebell training by using seven-minute rounds.

You should aim for 70-75% of your max weight / difficulty on each exercise—not the heaviest you can lift for the rep count, but enough to push yourself while maintaining good form.

A good starting goal for each 7-minute AMRAP is to get three rounds in the allotted time period. If you’re blasting through five rounds on day one, consider increasing the weight. If you’re getting one or two, you may need to just stick with it and improve your overall fitness and conditioning level, and/or you may need to drop the weight.

Take the first week of this method to figure out the weight / Intensity level to use for each exercise. Then, the goal is to track your rounds each session. Your big goal throughout the 28 days is to focus on increasing your VOLUME – total number of sets / rounds completed in each session!

Want to Train Like This for 28 Days?

We’re running a full 28-day EDKT kettlebell challenge, and I’m also offering a free customized meal plan to the first 25 people who sign up.

This includes full coaching and support, a kettlebell and EDKT training plan, and some great bonuses like my exclusive kettlebell workshop and a copy of my Amazon best-selling book.

Click the link below to sign up now—spots are filling fast:

–>> 28-day Kettlebell EDT Challenge – Sign Up Here

-Forest and the Team at KettlebellBasics.net

P.S. If your workouts and diet aren’t getting you the results you want, it may not be your fault—you just need the right training, the right diet, and the right coaching working together. This challenge gives you all three.

P.P.S. Imagine dropping one full clothing size in just 28 days with EDKT workouts, a customized nutrition plan, and coaching from me and my team. Half of the 25 available spots are already gone, so sign up now before it’s too late.

[Click here to join the challenge.]

Most people say they want to be in elite shape. Few actually step into the arena and prove it.

That’s where my Extreme KB Conditioning “Arena Endurance Challenge” comes in.

This is a battle-tested system designed to take you from where you are now to a lean, mean, fire-breathing machine in just 28 days.

And once you start, you won’t want to stop.

That first workout will push you, but you’ll finish, and that’s all it takes.

The momentum will build, and before you know it, you’ll be deep in the grind, unstoppable, charging forward.

The intensity ramps up every week as we add sets, reps, and volume, systematically forging your strength and endurance. The deeper you go, the more invested you become. You’ll start to see yourself differently, and there’s no turning back.

Check out this free sample from the plan:

Extreme KB Conditioning – Week 3 / Day 2 (from Gladiator’s Edge Kettlebell)

Main Circuit – Do as many rounds as possible in 19 minutes

• 12 squat jumps
• 9 alternating leg drops
• 6 overhead kettlebell lunges per leg (8k/12k+ women; 12k/16k+ men)
• 30 jumping jacks

Finisher – 3 brutal rounds, no rest between moves, 90 seconds between rounds

• 10 one-arm swings left (12k/16k+ women; 16k/20k+ men)
• 26 slow mountain climbers (13 per side)
• 10 one-arm swings right
• 26 opposite shoulder touches (13 per side)
• 10 high pulls left or snatch
• 26-second side plank left
• 10 high pulls right or snatch
• 26-second side plank right

#

This is just day one. Imagine where you’ll be after 28 days of war.

-> Click here to start on the full program now

Something changes when you commit to a challenge like this. You start trusting the process. You stop overthinking and start executing.

At first, it’s just about getting through the workouts. But soon, you realize this isn’t just training. It’s mastery. Your mindset shifts. The stakes feel higher. Quitting is not an option. You’ve already done too much.

And by week four, you’re a different person.

Are You Ready to Go Full Gladiator?

This challenge is brutal, but so is being weak, out of shape, and constantly tired.

You could sit on the sidelines, or you can step into the Gladiator’s Edge Kettlebell Program and build real strength, power, and resilience in just 20 to 30 minutes a day.

Sign up here and start now:

–>> Join the Challenge

Your arena awaits!

-Forest

You ever wonder how gladiators trained?

These men stepped onto the blood-soaked sands of the Colosseum, knowing they’d either leave in glory… or in pieces.

These weren’t soft men. They didn’t waste time with pointless exercises or half-effort workouts. They trained with brutal efficiency—because their lives depended on it.

And while you’re not stepping into an arena, you are fighting your own battles—stress, time, energy, and the reality of getting older.

That’s why your training needs to be smart, efficient, and brutally effective.

No fluff. No wasted effort. Just straight-up warrior training.

HOW GLADIATORS TRAINED

Strength & Power – No fancy gym equipment. Just heavy stones, logs, and lead weights. They lifted, carried, and dragged brutal loads to build next-level strength.

Endurance & Stamina – The difference between life and death? Who lasted longer. These guys ran, jumped, sparred, and fought for hours on end to build a gas tank that never quit.

Combat Training – Every warrior had a specialized fighting style—some fought with a sword and shield, others with a trident and net. They sparred daily, took hits, and learned how to strike with precision.

Agility & Speed – In the arena, if you were slow, you were dead. Quick footwork, dodging drills, unstable surfaces—they trained their reflexes to be sharp and their movement to be unpredictable.

Mental Toughness – These men weren’t soft. They endured pain, exhaustion, hunger—and kept going. Every brutal session made them more resilient, more dangerous, and more prepared for battle.

Sound familiar?

It should. Because these same principles are what make a man strong today.

And you don’t need a Colosseum to train like a gladiator.

You just need the right system.

GLADIATOR GAINZ KETTLEBELL WORKOUT

This workout builds strength, power, endurance, and resilience—the same way ancient warriors trained, but with modern efficiency:

Part 1 – Strength & Endurance Circuit

:35 work / :15 rest per exercise – 4 total rounds

• KB Goblet Step-Ups (:35 per side) OR KB Side-to-Side Lunges (:70 total)
• Spider Push-Ups – Be sure to do a push-up after each “climb”
• Lying Hip Bridge w/ Feet Elevated (box or bench)

Rest :60 between rounds.

Part 2 – EMOM (Every Minute on the Minute) Strength & Power Work

Set a timer to go off every 60 seconds

At the beginning of each interval, complete the prescribed reps. Your rest is the time between finishing the reps and the next interval starting. Keep moving non-stop for 4 total rounds.

• KB Goblet Squats – 12 reps
• 1-Arm KB Rows – 12 reps per side (add a pause at the top of each rep)
• Close-Grip Push-Ups – 12 reps (pick a version that challenges you: hands elevated, knees, or toes)
• 1-Arm KB Snatch – 6 reps per side

This is real training. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just results.

If you’re ready to train like a warrior and build a body that won’t break down, check out the full Gladiator’s Edge program here:

-> Gladiator’s Edge Kettlebell

-Forest

**Ready to train like a gladiator? My new Gladiator’s Edge Kettlebell Bundle is live! It’s packed with 10 full 28-day challenges designed to help you gain strength, torch fat, and move like a warrior. Click here to grab it now during the launch sale!

In ancient times, warriors like gladiators didn’t just fight—they trained relentlessly to survive and thrive in the arena. Their routines were the perfect example of functional fitness, blending strength, agility, and endurance.

Gladiators trained with basic tools like weighted bags and wooden weapons, but their movements were purposeful. Every drill helped prepare them for combat scenarios: strikes, dodges, and defense. They likely supplemented with long hours of sparring, footwork drills, and endurance work.

Inspired by these legendary training methods, I’ve created a kettlebell workout to bring that same spirit to your fitness routine:

Colosseum Conditioning Trial

PART 1:

• KB Swings
• Split Squat (22.5 seconds per side; add KB in suitcase position as an optional progression)
• Single Arm KB Swings (22.5 seconds per side)
• Pushups (add a 1-second pause on the floor as an optional progression)
• Hand to Hand KB Swings

Do as many reps as possible of each exercise in 45 seconds, rest 20 seconds between moves, and take a 1-minute break between rounds. Complete 3 rounds total.

PART 2:

• KB Goblet Switch Lunge (22.5 seconds per side)
• Plank with Alternating Shoulder Taps (touch hip as an optional progression)
• Single Arm KB Row (22.5 seconds per side)
• Plank with Alternating Foot Step Outs (plank jack as an optional progression)
• Squat Jumps

Same format as PART 1: 45 seconds work, 20 seconds rest, 1-minute break between rounds. Complete 3 rounds total.

This workout is just a taste of what’s waiting for you in the Gladiator’s Edge Kettlebell Bundle.

Click here to get the full program and start your 28-day transformation today:
–>> https://forestvance.lpages.co/gladiators-edge-kettlebell/

Train like a gladiator. Perform like a warrior.

— Forest Vance

PS – Don’t miss your chance to channel the strength and resilience of the gladiators into your training. Grab the Gladiator’s Edge program now!

You might or might not know this about me, but I played in the NFL back in the mid-2000s. I had short stints with both the Packers and the Chiefs, and let me tell you-it was an eye-opening experience in more ways than one!

Here’s the thing: growing up, I was always one of the strongest guys on my football teams. I set records in the weight room in high school and college, so when I got to the NFL, I assumed everyone was going to be superhuman-freakishly strong.

The reality? Sure, there were freak athletes, but what really surprised me was how much emphasis the pros placed on injury prevention. The guys weren’t maxing out their lifts in the offseason or risking tweaks and tears. Instead, there was a huge focus on flexibility, mobility, recovery, and—believe it or not—bodyweight conditioning.

This was a huge paradigm shift for me. These players did not get where they were by ego-lifting. They trained smarter, not harder, using tools like bodyweight circuits to build endurance while keeping their joints safe and explosive.

Today, I am sharing with you a simple bodyweight lower body conditioning workout that a strength and conditioning coach in Green Bay would actually put us through on a regular rotation. You can do this circuit with just your body weight, or if you’re feeling extra spicy, throw on a weight vest. If you are an athlete, a former athlete, or somebody who wants to move better, feel stronger, and stay injury-free, this will be great.

NFL Leg Day Bodyweight Circuit (free sample workout) – in the style of Bodyweight Beast Building

Here’s how it works: Perform these exercises in circuit fashion with little to no rest between movements. At the end, rest for 1-2 minutes, then repeat for 4-5 rounds.

You can do this circuit with just your bodyweight or add a weight vest in for an added challenge:

• Bodyweight Squats -20 reps
• Lunges – 10 reps per leg
• Step-ups-10 reps per leg, using a sturdy chair, box, or step
• Squat jumps-10 reps.

That’s easy on paper, but trust me, your legs will be burning come round two. It’s that perfect mix of strength and conditioning that builds functional lower body power without overloading your joints.

If you’re reading this, you probably are not playing in the NFL at the moment. But you are likely the person who loves being active-maybe played sports in your life or just want to stay strong and not get injured-then this kind of training is gold. It improves strength, adds to better mobility, and can make a person just feel great in and out of the gym.

Speaking of training, I’ve got a couple of programs that are perfect for building total-body strength and athleticism:

— Bodyweight Beast Training Course
— Operation Pull-Up: Go from 0 to 20 Pull-Ups

Both programs are on a special two-for-one sale right now—but it’s ending. If you’ve been thinking about leveling up your training, this is your chance. Hit the link below and grab them before the sale wraps up:

–>> Bodyweight Beast Building + Operation Pull Up 2-for-1

Alright, that’s it for today. Give the workout a try, let me know how it goes, and get those programs if you want a killer plan to complement your current training routine!

-Forest and the Team @ ForestVanceTraining.com — KettlebellBasics.net

Life is unpredictable. Emergencies don’t send a warning.

That’s why tactical professionals—like firefighters, military, and law enforcement—train for readiness.

They don’t just work out to look good; they train to perform.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to wear a uniform to train like a tactical athlete.

You just need the right plan.

My upcoming 28-day Tactical KB Challenge is designed to help you:

• Build functional strength for real-life challenges
• Boost endurance to perform under pressure
• Gain the confidence of knowing you’re ready for anything

It’s your chance to train like the heroes who show up when it matters most—and bring those qualities to your everyday life.

Here’s What You Get When You Join:
— Weekly Tactical Workouts: Laser-focused kettlebell routines designed for maximum results in minimal time
— A Proven System: The 10 2030 method is built for strength, endurance, and real-world functionality
— Support + Accountability: You’ll have a community (and me!) in your corner every step of the way

And These Exclusive Bonuses—FREE:

— 28-Day Tabata Kettlebell Challenge: A high-intensity kettlebell program to push your limits
— 0 to 100: Operation Push-Up: A brand-new program to take your push-ups to elite levels

— 21-Day Rapid Shred Diet Plan: An intermittent fasting guide for maximum fat loss and muscle preservation
— A Copy of My Best-Selling Book: The Kettlebell Challenge, packed with expert advice and insights

Don’t miss out. Click here to sign up now.

Let’s do this, together.

-Forest Vance

PS – Want a sneak peek at what the Tactical 10/20/30 method looks like in action? Here’s an example of two circuits from one of the workouts:

PART 1
Set timer for 60-second intervals. The first 30 seconds of each interval will be at a very easy pace. Seconds 31-50 will be at a harder pace. Seconds 51-60 will be at a very hard pace. Without rest, move to the next exercise, and repeat. Rest for 60 seconds at the end of the rounds; repeat for three rounds total:

• KB press → KB push press w/ slow negative → KB standard push press (60 sec PER SIDE)
• Split squats (bodyweight for 1st 30 seconds, add weight for last 20/10) (60 sec PER SIDE)

PART 2
Set timer for 60-second intervals. The first 30 seconds of each interval will be at a very easy pace. Seconds 31-50 will be at a harder pace. Seconds 51-60 will be at a very hard pace. Without rest, move to the next exercise, and repeat. Rest for 60 seconds at the end of the rounds; repeat for three rounds total:

• KB side-to-side lunges (increase pace throughout set) – 60 seconds
• Burpees (increase pace throughout set)

Want more? Sign up here to get access to the full challenge!

Kettlebell Inferno: Tabata Edition Sample Workout (from the Tactical Edge Trio 3-for-1 New Year Special)

Why is this a “tactical” workout?

Because it’s designed to help you build the kind of strength, endurance, and resilience needed to dominate both in and out of the gym. Whether it’s keeping up with your training, staying in peak condition for your favorite activities, or simply being ready for the challenges of life, this approach helps you perform at your best.

*For a limited time only, when you grab the Tactical 10-20-30 Kettlebell Method on sale this week, you’ll also get my newest version of KettlebellBasics WODs – Tabata Edition—free! Learn more here -> Next Page

This kettlebell workout delivers big results in minimal time—helping you build muscle, burn fat, and boost your overall conditioning in as little as 20-30 minutes a day.

Here’s the sample workout to try today:

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Tactical Kettlebell Tabata + Complex Workout

PART 1 – TABATA

• 20 seconds: KB goblet squats (recommended weight = 12-16k women / 20-24k men)
• Rest: 10 seconds
• 20 seconds: KB renegade rows (switch sides/hands each rep; single KB, recommended weight = 8/12k women / 16-20k men)
• Rest: 10 seconds

Repeat four sets. Rest 1-2 minutes. Then repeat for a total of 2 Tabata rotations.

PART 2 – TABATA

• 20 seconds: Two-hand KB swings (recommended weight = 16-20k women / 24-32k men)
• Rest: 10 seconds
• 20 seconds: “RKC plank” (hold tight!)
• Rest: 10 seconds

Repeat four sets. Rest 1-2 minutes. Then repeat for a total of 2 Tabata rotations.

PART 3 – COMPLEX

• Turkish Get-Up (to the top of the movement)
• 5 snatches (same side, “flow” directly from get-up) OR 5 one-arm KB swings
• Turkish Get-Down (return to the ground)
• Repeat on the other side.

Complete 4 rounds for time.

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This workout is just the beginning. When you grab the Tactical 10-20-30 Kettlebell Method on sale this week, you’ll also unlock the new and updated KettlebellBasics WODs – Tabata Edition—free!

With these programs, you’ll:

• Build real-world strength and lean muscle.
• Burn fat and boost endurance in just 20-30 minutes per session.
• Perform at your peak, whether in the gym or in everyday life.

👉 Click here to grab your Tactical Kettlebell Bundle now

Here’s to starting 2025 with strength, confidence, and momentum!

–Forest Vance, MS – Certified Kettlebell Instructor – ForestVanceTraining.com – KettlebellBasics.net

The weather for the last couple of days here in Kansas City has been a little wild!

It’s been quite the snowstorm—way more than we usually see around here.

The snow’s finally stopped, but now we’re all digging ourselves out.

And like most, I’ve been stuck indoors. No running outside, no gym trips—just me, the basement, and my kettlebells.

But you know what? That’s okay.

If anything, this weather is the perfect reminder of why I love kettlebell training so much!

No matter what’s going on outside, I can still get in an awesome workout in a small space with just one or two kettlebells.

This week, I’ve been leaning into one of my new favorite training techniques—the 10-20-30 Kettlebell Method.

It’s simple, effective, and a workout can be as short as 12 minutes, which is perfect when you’re cooped up at home.

Here’s how it works:

You do 30 seconds of moderate effort, 20 seconds of higher intensity, and 10 seconds all-out. Then you move to the next exercise and repeat. Here’s the exact circuit I did this morning in my basement:

• Kettlebell swings
• Burpees
• Tactical lunges
• 1-arm kettlebell rows
• Jumping jacks

Do each move for 30/20/10, rest for two minutes, and repeat the circuit one more time.

By the time you’re done, you’ll have burned up to 250 calories and hit every major muscle group.

It’s quick, it’s intense, and it feels so good to move after being stuck inside.

If you’re in the same boat—shoveling snow and staying close to home—give it a shot. You don’t need much space or equipment, just a kettlebell and some grit.

And if you want to take it a step further, I’ve got something exciting launching soon. I’m kicking off my 10-20-30 Kettlebell Method Program. It’s a full 28-day challenge designed to help you:

• Lose up to 6.6 pounds of body fat
• Gain up to 5.9 pounds of lean muscle
• Improve your health with science-backed methods

All in just 20-30 minutes a session, 3-4 times a week.

Right now, I’m offering early bird pricing, and it comes with some awesome bonuses like a kettlebell basics workshop and a 21-day nutrition plan.

If you’re tired of long, complicated workouts and want something that works—even when you’re stuck in your basement like I am—this is it. Learn more and sign up at the link below:

-> 10-20-30 KB Challenge (early bird pricing active now)

Hit reply if you’ve got questions or want to join the program. Let’s crush this winter together!

–Forest

If you’ve ever felt like workouts take too much time, or they’re so intense that they’re just not sustainable, I’m excited to share about the 10-20-30 method—it’s backed by research, super effective, and actually doable.

See, this approach flips the script on traditional interval training. It’s all about getting maximum results in minimal time without burning yourself out. The build-up periods give you a chance to catch your breath while still keeping your heart rate up, making it a fantastic way to get cardio in without absolutely crushing yourself. And it’s proven—for better fat loss, improved cardiovascular health, lower blood sugar, and even benefits for conditions like hypertension and asthma.

Here’s an example of how I’ve adapted it into a kettlebell workout:

Part 1: Strength and Power

Set a timer for 60-second intervals. For each exercise:

• First 30 seconds: Move at a comfortable pace.
• Next 20 seconds: Pick up the intensity and push harder.
• Final 10 seconds: Go all out, max effort.
• Move straight to the next exercise. Once you finish the round, rest for 60 seconds and repeat two more times.

1. Dead Stop Kettlebell Swing
   • First 30 seconds: Controlled swings with rest between each rep.
   • Last 20/10 seconds: One-arm swings and/or kettlebell snatches.
2. Push-Ups
   • Start with standard push-ups.
   • Progress to harder variations like incline, clapping, or diamond push-ups.

Part 2: Conditioning and Mobility

Same 60-second interval format: easy for 30, moderate for 20, and all-out for 10.

1. Alternating Reverse Lunges
   • First 30 seconds: Bodyweight lunges.
   • Last 20/10 seconds: Add weight with a kettlebell.
2. Single-Arm Kettlebell Rows
   • Start light.
   • Increase the weight for more challenge as you go.
3. Jumping Jacks
   • Keep it dynamic and light at first.
   • Finish strong with full effort.

The 10/20/30 kettlebell method is built on solid research, it’s practical, and it gets results without beating you up. Whether your goal is to drop fat, improve mobility, or just feel better overall, it’s a great approach!

I’m working on a full 10-20-30 kettlebell program that takes these principles and turns them into a comprehensive training plan. Stay tuned—it’s coming soon!

And while I’ve got you here, I’ve also got a couple more spots open for my private, 1-to-1 “Fit Over 40” online kettlebell coaching program. This is probably the last time I’ll mention it for a bit, so if you’ve been thinking about jumping in, now’s the time. With personalized workouts, custom nutrition, and 1-to-1 support, my clients have been crushing their goals. If you’re ready to do the same, reply with “I am,” and I’ll send you the details.

Talk soon!

— Forest Vance Master of Science, Human Movement — Certified Russian Kettlebell Instructor — 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) — Former Professional Football Player — Founder, Forest Vance Training, Inc.

PS – You can check out the research behind the 10/20/30 method here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11295100/#ejsc12163-sec-0060