April 13, 2010

Kettlebell Training Guide — Weight TrainingThe Russian Way

Filed under: Fitness Gear, Improving Your Health — admin @ 6:42 am

Kettlebells aren’t a new development. To tell you the truth, they’ve been around since the opening years of the 1700s as far as anyone can tell. That being said, is anyone surprised to hear that the kettlebell is now among the most popular fitness routines worldwide? And why did this happen? The kettlebell has just enjoyed an astonishing spike in recognition. And who could deny it was deserved?

Kettlebell exercises are not complex, don’t call for a lot of special gear, and there’s no barrier to starting out. Of course, the trickier routines aren’t as straightforward. Learn to walk before you try to run, as your grandpa might say.

Whatever else you do, with these kettlebells as with all weight training, you have to make sure that you select the right weight for your workout. Due to the way kettlebells are used, you can use smaller weights than you might think. Women will probably be best suited to an 18lb weight, and men are recommended to examine the thirty five pound variety. This is because the benefits of a kettlebell workout are related far more closely to the motions themselves than they are to the weights used. An educational aid (along the lines of a pamphlet or DVD) is a smart buy when starting out, ensuring that you have the techniques involved correct.

The first exercise to practice with the Russian kettlebell must be a double-handed swing. It seems simpler than it actually is, but it’s at the basis of the bulk of more advanced exercises. Everything should ideally flow freely, avoiding sudden stops or jerks. Pick up the kettlebells using your hips, rather than with your back or shoulders, to ensure your own comfort and support during your techniques. By the time you have mastered this movement, you can sample some of the more advanced motions. Bring different sets and increased reps into your preferred exercise regime, and punch it up by employing an assortment of different music to keep it interesting. An additional pair can be factored in once you’re comfortable using them, and to shake your routine up fully you could perhaps even alter the weight of the kettlebells. By following these tips you have the chance to bypass the levelling effect that makes later exercises less potent.

Don’t think, however, that a better built body and bigger muscles will be obtained if you use nothing but kettlebells. Rather, use them to reduce weight and for general fitness developments and maintenance in a lasting manner. Lastly, bring a Russian kettlebell routine into a broader keep fit course. Clearly, the degree to which you use the kettlebells is your personal decision. With one or two exercise sessions per week you can easily maintain your baseline levels, and if you up that to 5-6 you’re sure to lose your fat and drop weight in almost no time!