Hi Reader,
I was reminiscing about my days as a bootcamp trainer when I stumbled upon an old picture of a drill I used to love. It took me back to one of those simple but effective exercises that always got the group engaged and having fun.
Let me take you back to one of my favorite games—a drill that’s simple, fun, and packs a serious punch for your clients. Here's how it goes:
The Kettlebell Pass
The setup is simple—everyone picks up a weight (kettlebell, dumbbell, medicine ball, or whatever you have on hand) and forms a circle.
The goal is to pass the weight to the person next to you, keeping the flow going for 3 minutes., but here’s the catch: Every time the bell is passed to you, you have to press it overhead and back down before you can pass it on.
Sounds simple, right? But trust me, after a few rounds, those shoulders are burning. And that’s not all.
Here’s the fun part:
The Secret Prize Twist!
Before you start, mark the underneath of one kettlebell with a sticker, something small so it’s not obvious. Tell your group there’s a surprise prize for the winner, but don’t give away why.
When the time is up, ask everyone to look underneath their kettlebell. Whoever has the marked kettlebell wins a prize—a scratchy, a fun little treat for the winner!
It was always a blast seeing the group get competitive while also laughing and cheering each other on. It’s these little surprises that make a workout memorable and keep the energy high.
Why It Works:
- It’s a shoulder workout (great for strength and endurance).
- It’s fun and interactive—people love games that make them feel like kids again!
- It builds camaraderie—people love to see who’s going to win that secret prize!
- It’s easy to modify—whether you use kettlebells, dumbbells, or bodyweight exercises, you can switch things up to suit your group.
And here's the best part: this type of fun and variation is key for keeping your workouts fresh and exciting. If you keep repeating the same drills, your clients will lose interest—and we don’t want that.
That’s why I love the Workout Design Club—every week, I get fresh, new drills that keep my classes fun, engaging, and challenging. Plus, with over 3,400 unique drills, it’s impossible to run out of creative ideas!
So, what’s your go-to drill that you use to keep your group motivated and engaged?
Let me know, and feel free to take inspiration from this kettlebell game for your next class!
Leon Melnicenko
Founder, Workout Design Club
P.S. Don’t let your classes become predictable—mix it up and keep your clients guessing. The WDC has everything you need to keep things fresh and fun, with zero stress! 🚀
See you inside,
Leon Melnicenko
Founder, Workout Design Club!
About Me!
"I used to chase bad guys—now I chase better workouts."
Hi, I’m Leon Melnicenko, an ex-British Commando turned fitness coach and founder of Workout Design Club.
After serving with the British Royal Marines, I built and ran successful bootcamps across three UK locations, delivering thousands group fitness classes.
Now, my mission is simple: to help group trainers like you attract more clients by delivering the most enjoyable workouts in your area.
With over 4,200 creative workout ideas inside the Workout Design Club, you’ll never waste another second scrambling for fresh ideas.
Instead, you’ll focus on growing your business, building a thriving community, and doing what you love—changing lives.
👉 Want to see how I can help?