Best Kettlebell Workouts In The East Bay

Among the most common New Year's resolutions for Bay Area residents are to lose weight and get in better physical condition. For those hoping to achieve both goals, one of the best forms of exercise is kettlebell training because it incorporates total body training, cardiovascular fitness, varying levels of intensity and flexibility. The cannonball-shaped weight made of cast iron has been around since the 1700s but in the last 10 years, kettlebell training has exploded in enormous popularity in gyms throughout the country. For East Bay residents thinking of trying kettlebell training for the first time, the following five businesses are among the best of the area, all with highly qualified and personable instructors who always make safety a top priority.

(photo credit: junofit.com)

Juno Fitness
3007 Sacramento St.
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 909-2297
www.junofit.com

This locally owned gym in Berkeley specializes in Russian Girevoy Sport kettlebell training, offering basic kettlebell classes, intensive classes and online training. Juno Fitness also offers one-on-one or group personal training, along with morning and evening boot camps. Individuals interested in the intensive class must have prior kettlebell experience, in addition to a certain degree of proficiency. The online training program is recommended only for serious kettlebell competitors. The fitness staff is comprised of highly regarded professionals whose resumes include master kettlebell certifications, international rankings in kettlebell competitions, Olympic weightlifting and extensive international instruction.

(photo credit: kravmagainstitute-usa.com)

Krav Maga Institute
1390 10th St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
(510) 526-5570
www.kravmagainstitute-usa.com

One of the world's most respected forms of self-defense is Krav Maga, a martial arts system created in Israel. Krav Maga, when translated into English is "hand to hand combat," is used by the Israeli military but has worldwide acceptance from many organizations, such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and the CIA. The Krav Maga Institute has three Bay Area locations, with headquarters in Berkeley. Both beginning and intermediate kettlebell classes and periodic training workshops are offered to complement its other courses, which also include TRX training, yoga and Muay Thai kickboxing. Both kettlebell instructors have more than 10 years of experience in the fitness industry.

Related: Best CrossFit Studios in East Bay

(photo credit: proactionathletics.com)

ProAction Athletics
3360 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA 94610
(510) 847-4532
www.proactionathletics.com

Touted as "Oakland's Boot Camp for Women," this business certainly backs up its claim. This acclaimed business also offers co-ed classes, Saturday boot camps, TRX and kettlebell classes. Morning and evening kettlebell classes are currently taught by Tom Foley, a well-known East Bay master kettlebell instructor who possesses a Russian Kettlebell Certification (RKC). His classes are open to beginners and place a special emphasis on technique and safety for all participants.

(photo credit: san-leandro-kettlebells.com)

San Leandro Kettlebell Club
Pallen's Martial Arts
1655 E. 14th St.
San Leandro, CA 94577
(510) 439-7050
www.san-leandro-kettlebells.com

Jay Beito is the founder of the San Leandro Kettlebell Club, who also serves as the head strength and conditioning coach at Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland. He teaches beginning and intermediate kettlebell courses at both Pallen's Martial Arts and the high school, whose athletics program is considered among the best in the Bay Area. Beito, who has an impressive array of fitness-related certifications and advanced education, is also available for in-home visits for personal training. In addition to the kettlebell classes, the San Leandro Kettlebell Club also offers a 21-Day Transformation program, boot camps and nutrition courses on healthy cooking.

(photo credit: solperform.com)

SOL Performance Training
3900 Piedmont Ave.
Oakland, CA 94611
(510) 594-1594
www.solperform.com

SOL Performance Training is one of the services provided at SOL Physical Therapy. The sports performance segment features a number of highly trained and educated professionals, including doctors of physical therapy (DPT), athletic trainers and fitness instructors. The head kettlebell instructor is Tom Foley, a master of the Russian Hardstyle form of kettlebell training, who also teaches classes at ProAction Athletics. Foley offers a kettlebell basics class, as well as an intermediate class and is open to any age and skill level, although a series of basic classes are recommended.

Related: Best Rock Climbing Gyms in the Bay Area

Head to CBS San Francisco's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!

Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. His work can be found on Examiner.com.