One strategy that is consistent in both the one-arm and two-arm swing is that the callouses should be on the “front” of the handle, not “under” the handle. If the callouses are “under” the handle when you grip the kettlebell, they are bound to get pinched. However, if the callouses are on the front of the handle, the stress will be in the fingers.

To accomplish this, “open” the grip slightly and allow the hand(s) to slide, placing the callouses on the front of the handle. Then, as you secure your grip, you will lock it in with your fingers.

On the two-arm swing, placing both hands on the handle can be challenging. The hands are often larger/wider than the handle, which can either “bump” the pinkie fingers off the handle or create friction points between the fingers. And blisters between the fingers are not fun.

To prevent this, allow your grip to take on the shape of the handle. Meaning, instead of forcing the hands together and trying to square up with the flat part of the handle, you should allow the grip to “curve” like the handle. Almost think of “squaring up” with the corners instead. Combined with the sliding of the handle into the fingers with the callouses on the front of the handle, this secures the grip with less stress on the skin and hands.

Give these grip strategies a try and apply them to your Kettlebell Simple & Sinister practice.