Most of us have seen those workout videos designed for people who don’t have time to work out. Four minute abs. Six minute butt. Three minute calves. You get the gist. They’ve been around forever, but have you ever heard whether they actually work or not? Me either.
There is a workout that is quick and provides a thorough workout, though. Even better, it doesn’t come on VHS and it isn’t pitched to you via infomercial. I’m talking about Russian kettlebells. The kettlebell is a weight. It looks like a rounded ball of metal with a hooped handle protruding from it. The kettlebell was most popularly associated with turn of the century (19th, not the 20th) strongmen. It’s now making a comeback — and for good reason.
The traditional workout associated with kettlebells resemble manual labor tasks like shoveling or carry buckets. The unique shape of the weight is very different from the balanced weights we are used to seeing in the gym. As a result of the weight’s imbalance, the body has to work to make up for it and you develop more dynamic strength as a result. Instead of isolating individual muscles (as you do when you curl a dumbbell), your muscle groups work together to maintain balance as well as lift the weight. Why’s that a good thing? It both builds and tones muscle. Switching to a kettlebell workout can cut numerous machines, weights, and exercise devices from your workout and save you a lot of time. Who wants to spend all day in the gym anyway?
Kettlebell workouts are a also a great change-up for your cardio routine. A typical kettlebell routine includes exercises that are aerobic. They’ll get your heart working and have you breathing deep, so you’re burning calories. Think of it as a day you don’t have to run on the treadmill, stair-stepper, or elliptical. It’s also great to add to a conditioning program if you participate in endurance sports such as long distance running or swimming.
Kettlebell workouts need not be long, arduous tasks. 30 to 45 minutes is about all it takes. Many participants claim that they lost weight quicker doing these exercises than they did regularly attending a gym where they ran and lifted weights. It’s not totally surprising, though. Exercises that strengthen the core while providing an aerobic workout are a great means of losing weight.
Eventually, if you choose to, you’ll be able to perform kettlebell exercises at home. It’s best not to start at home though. If you’d like to give kettlebells a try, then be sure to go somewhere there is an experienced trainer. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could get hurt. It’s important to have someone to supervise you and make sure that you’re doing it right.
More facts about kettlebells.
An interesting story and the history of kettlebell training.
A great article on how Kettlebell workouts can help ease back pain. (Thanks to @karawaane for the contribution!)
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