Foot-To-Hand Kettlebell Raises
For Hitting the Core

This is a unique core exercise that I think you'll really enjoy. It not only challenges the core but also your balance as you're performing the exercise.

It also ties the hip flexors in to the movement, which is useful (ironically enough) because so many people do crunches and do everything they can to take the hip flexors out of abdominal movements, that sometimes the hip flexors are actually UNDERdeveloped.

So basically, for this exercise, you'll need a kettlebell (a dumbell won't work for this one, unfortunately - too tough to balance it on your foot). I'm using a 25 lb kettlebell for this one.

Set the KB on the floor in front of you - I took my shoes off for this one but you can leave yours on, if you like.

Stand on one foot and slide your toes under the handle of the KB.

Now, using your leg power, raise the KB up and reach down with your right hand. Grab the handle with your right hand.

Once you've got the KB in your hand, raise it up like a front raise.

Bring it all the way up as high as you can.

You can also perform this exercise coming across, picking up the KB with your right foot and transferring to your left hand.

I like to do reps on one side, cross over, then do a rep on the other side.

Then the switch back to the other side.

This one really hits the core in a unique way and places demands on your balance as you're doing it.

For an even greater balance challenge, stay on one foot even while you're doing the front raise portion of the exercise and don't let the KB touch the ground at the bottom!