Wednesday, February 4, 2015

If It Ain't Got That Swing

Kettlebell.

I have a client who bought 3 on Amazon. Because I was talking about them and they looked cool. I love her. Her friend bought some too. It's contagious.

I have a packed Kettlebell Warrior class on Saturdays. Kettlebells are becoming more popular as people learn their many benefits and feel the effects of working out with them. They are dynamic, convenient and a wonderful addition to any fitness toolkit.

The kettlebell or girya is a cast-iron or cast steel weight (resembling a cannonball with a handle) used to perform ballistic exercises that combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. They were developed in Russia in the 1700s, primarily for weighing crops. It is said that these farmers became stronger and found them useful for showing off their strength during festivals. The Soviet army used them as part of their physical training and conditioning programs in the 20th century. They had been used for competition and sports throughout Russia and Europe since the 1940s.


Unlike traditional dumbbells, the kettlebell's center of mass is extended beyond the hand. This facilitates ballistic and swinging movements. Variants of the kettlebell include bags filled with sand, water, or steel shot.The kettlebell allows for swing movements and release moves with added safety and added grip, wrist, arm and core strengthening. The unique shape of the kettlebell provides the "unstable force" for handling - key for the effectiveness of the kettlebell exercises.

A word of caution before beginning any training with kettlebells. Due to the unusual movements you can make with them, it is ALWAYS advisable to go to a professional experienced with kettlebells to help you establish proper form and technique.

Used properly, kettlebells add an element of fun and effective movement to any workout. And also an element of "ow I can't get out of bed or sit on the toilet" the next morning.

I do a full body kettlebell workout once a week. It gets my heart pumping, sweat dripping and makes me feel like a total fitness badass.

Kettlebells can be purchased pretty much anywhere that sells fitness equipment, from WalMart to Fitness Depot. So be sure to drop by Kettlebell Warrior and then run directly to get yourself a set.

Find Your CORE
!



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