The best exercise is the one you do.
Perhaps you’ve seen those bell-shaped weights in the corner of your gym. You may have wondered what they are. Who actually uses them? Whether you are new to kettlebells or a Turkish get-up master, there are many reasons to incorporate this type of weightlifting into your fitness routine.
Kettlebells are versatile.
Whether you like to work out at home, the gym, or outdoors, you can use kettlebells. Do your fitness goals include weight management, muscle toning, and cardio fitness? Are you looking to add muscle and bulk? You can use kettlebells. These weights are great for a wide range of people and can be used in a variety of settings.
Kettlebells are portable.
Does travel destroy your fitness routine? If you have a job that requires travel, or even you want to maintain your exercise habits while on the road, kettlebells are a great option. This is especially true if you don’t have a gym membership at a national chain. Those fancy home gyms are great, but they are just for that- home. Lighter weight kettlebells can be loaded in the luggage or in the car. Even better, there are inflatable kettlebells that you can pack and then fill with water or sand at your destination.
Kettlebells are for all fitness levels.
When I first started using kettlebells, I was out of shape. I had two small children and a full-time job, and fitness had been on the back burner. Ketllebells were great for me. Fast forward to today. I’m stronger and in much better shape than I was. Guess what? I still use them. There are loads of resources for beginners. There are also many ways to push yourself. One of the simplest ways to ramp up the difficulty is to increase the weight or the number of reps.
Kettlebells target many muscle groups.
Traditional weightlifting is beneficial, but it takes time to get a total body workout. Using just weight machines can also limit how much you work your core muscles. A kettlebell swing, on the other hand, is one of several foundational moves that works multiple muscle groups. Additionally, the moves require the muscles to stabilize and increase core strength. With just a few exercises you can get a total body workout in half the time of a traditional weightlifting program.
Kettlebells can be used for cross-training.
One of the biggest obstacles to exercising? Not enough time. With kettlebells you can up your level of cardio exercise by increasing the weight. Most kettlebell exercises are isotonic, meaning your muscles have to contract against a load (i.e., movement). Weight+movement=cardio. In fact, kettlebells are great for HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts. What better way to save time than to incorporate cardio and weight lifting into one, efficient session?
Kettlebells are affordable.
While many home gyms cost north of $1000, you can snatch (pun intended) a larger kettlebell at most stores for under $100. The heavier the bell, the more it will cost, but you can do an entire workout with just one or two bells. You don’t need a rack of free weights taking up large amounts of real estate in your home, and you don’t have to spend loads of money on a gym membership or a home gym. A couple of kettlebells can go a long way.
Kettlebells are for lifetime fitness.
I’m a fan of running short distances as a form of cardiovascular exercise, but for many people, running isn’t an option. It’s high impact, and it’s not something you can just pick up later in life, especially if you’re plagued with knee problems or arthritis. On the other hand, kettlebells can be used indefinitely. Not only does strength training help prevent bone loss, it can also prevent injury from other activities. You might have to eventually swap out that 35 lb. bell for a lighter one, but kettlebells provide a one-two punch by being conducive to longterm use and preventing a decline in strength.
Although there are many ways to get fit, I’m a big believer in the effectiveness of kettlebells. Remember that whatever exercise you do, showing up is the most important battle. So get out there and get moving.
**If you are new to kettlebells, avoid injury by learning proper form and technique before incorporating them into your routine. You should consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. This article is for educational purposes only and not to be used as a substitute for medical advice or diagnosis.