As a coach I need to be physically fit for many reasons, such as setting a good example to my gymnasts and to be able to lift the gymnasts etc. It’s summer time, a great time to get fit and to get out and about so I’ve been working on my fitness lately. My new love is the Kettlebell!
What is a Kettlebell?
A kettlebell is hand held cast iron weight which can be used to train the whole body. It resembles a cannonball with a handle attached. Kettlebells can vary in weight and they have been used for centuries in Russia and surrounding countries.
Why the Kettlebell?
Kettlebells are an extremely space-efficient tool for adding external resistance to your training regime at home, and can be used to dramatically expand your options for working out when you can’t make it to the gym.I work 5 days a week and coach 4 days a week (3 of those days after my regular 9 – 5) so for me, this is a really good option when I’m too tired to make it to the gym or don’t quite feel like a swim.
What are the benefits of the Kettlebell?
- Decreased body fat
- Core strengthener
- Increased muscle tone
- Increased mobility
- Quick results
- Fun
- Whole body functional training
- Increased cardio-respiratory fitness
- Increased body composition
Why Kettlebells and not dumbells and other weights?
The main difference between Kettlebells and free weights (barbells,dumbbells etc.) is that the weight in the Kettlebell is off-set from the centre. Kettlebells also have a center of mass extended beyond the hand and allow for swing movements and release moves with added safety and added grip, wrist, arm and core strengthening due to the shifting fill material. It recruits more stabilization muscle fibers and works your grip strength more because of this arrangement and with the bucket like handle, the range of exercises differ from exercises that you can do with a traditional dumbbell. Kettlebell movements mimic the way that our bodies should move with functional movement patterns. This type of training teaches our bodies correct movement skills and patterns.
What exercises can I do?
There are numerous types of exercises to do for different parts of your body. I especially love the Kettle Bell swing, Squats, Side Bends and Lunges. Have a look on YouTube to see the various exercises you can do.
Have you used Kettlebells? What are your opinions on them?
