Have you ever worked out with kettlebells? A few years ago, many people had never even heard of them, but they have gained popularity and can be found at gyms and sporting goods stores everywhere. If you have not used them yet, you may be wondering if they work, how they work and how you should use them.
What Do I Need To Know About Kettlebells?
A kettlebell is an iron weight that looks like a ball with a handle attached to it. They come in weights from 4 lbs to 135 lbs. Using a kettlebell is far different from using a dumbbell or any other type of weight. Some of the advantages kettlebell workouts give are increased balance and strength, as well as calorie-burning.
One of the most important things to know, however, is that using kettlebells incorrectly can result in injury. Because the weight is generally held out further from the body than other weights, poor form can cause injury. Furthermore, kettlebell exercises often involve a swinging motion. In addition to the obvious problem of injuring yourself through improper use and form, there is also a risk of injuring someone else.
Bottom line, if you are interested in kettlebell workouts, you should seek the assistance of a personal trainer at your local gym. At the very least, a high-quality DVD if you are planning on working out at home (but keep a safe distance from your flat-screen!).
Things To Remember About Kettlebells
Once you understand proper form and have the weight that is appropriate for you, a kettlebell workout can be an effective and enjoyable addition to your current fitness routine. You will likely find that your strength, endurance, balance and control are greatly increased when you incorporate the bell into your workout. Kettlebell swings alone can be a very effective and efficient exercise, especially when paired with some cardio.
The most important things to remember: Don't swing or lift the kettlebell over your head, don't use a bell that is too heavy for you, protect your knees just like you do with squats, and protect your lower back by lifting with your legs.
If you would like to gain the benefits of working with kettlebells, a personal trainer can create a custom plan for you. At the Downtown Athletic club, our trainers can take you through kettlebells, or any other equipment, so you can have a safe and effective workout.
What Do I Need To Know About Kettlebells?
A kettlebell is an iron weight that looks like a ball with a handle attached to it. They come in weights from 4 lbs to 135 lbs. Using a kettlebell is far different from using a dumbbell or any other type of weight. Some of the advantages kettlebell workouts give are increased balance and strength, as well as calorie-burning.
One of the most important things to know, however, is that using kettlebells incorrectly can result in injury. Because the weight is generally held out further from the body than other weights, poor form can cause injury. Furthermore, kettlebell exercises often involve a swinging motion. In addition to the obvious problem of injuring yourself through improper use and form, there is also a risk of injuring someone else.
Bottom line, if you are interested in kettlebell workouts, you should seek the assistance of a personal trainer at your local gym. At the very least, a high-quality DVD if you are planning on working out at home (but keep a safe distance from your flat-screen!).
Things To Remember About Kettlebells
Once you understand proper form and have the weight that is appropriate for you, a kettlebell workout can be an effective and enjoyable addition to your current fitness routine. You will likely find that your strength, endurance, balance and control are greatly increased when you incorporate the bell into your workout. Kettlebell swings alone can be a very effective and efficient exercise, especially when paired with some cardio.
The most important things to remember: Don't swing or lift the kettlebell over your head, don't use a bell that is too heavy for you, protect your knees just like you do with squats, and protect your lower back by lifting with your legs.
If you would like to gain the benefits of working with kettlebells, a personal trainer can create a custom plan for you. At the Downtown Athletic club, our trainers can take you through kettlebells, or any other equipment, so you can have a safe and effective workout.
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