What is that
oddly shaped fitness tool called a kettlebell?
A kettlebell is a cast iron,
sphere-shaped weight that resembles a cannonball with a handle. This piece of
equipment is used as a strength and conditioning instrument that fuses
multi-joint full body movements.
Although
this piece of equipment is somewhat new to the fitness world in America, the
kettlebell has been around for many centuries. Research indicates that the Ancient
Greeks were the first to use a kettlebell, however Russia is widely recognized for
popularizing the use of kettlebells as a strength training staple as early as
the 18th century. The Russian culture views a kettlebell as a symbol
of strength and national pride; for centuries they have used this tool for
athletic development and health.
American fitness professionals have embraced the use
of kettlebells due to the undeniable research which supports the benefits of
training with this type of equipment. According
to researchers (KettlebellScience.com),
Western scientific studies have shown that Kettlebell
Training:
- Improves Explosive and Maximal Strength (Lake & Lauder, 2012)
- Improves strength, power and endurance (Manocchia, 2010)
- Taxes both aerobic and anaerobic systems (Fung & Shore, 2010)
- Maintains health and improves overall fitness (Castellano, 2009)
- Positively impacts cardiorespiratory endurance and promotes changes in body composition(Porcari, 2010)
- Can burn up to 20.2 calories per minute (Porcari, 2010)
- Increases musculoskeletal health by reducing neck, shoulder and low back pain, and increases trunk extensor strength (Jay et al, 2010)
- Is transferable to traditional weight training and bodyweight exercises and is an excellent alternative to traditional weight lifting (Manocchia, 2010)
Kettlebell
workouts can be fun, but also a challenge. This piece of equipment should be
utilized in more training environments due to the countless benefits, ease of
use, and functionality. Kettlebells have a few basic and fundamentals moves
that most of the workouts are based. These basic moves can be modified to
advanced movement with time. In my next post, these exercises will be discussed
into greater detail.
I love kettlebells! I am covering them as an entire section in my Weight Training class. They are so versatile, portable, and easy to use. It is going to take me 3 classes to cover all the swings and lifts you can do with them.
ReplyDeleteI also like the history behind it. I was not aware that kettlebells dated back so far. I always love dropping some history knowledge on my clients, so I will have to share next time I have a client using one.
I am fairly new to the "Kettlebell Craze" but I have enjoyed my workouts with kettlebells so far. My favorite part of the workouts that use kettlebells is that it is truly a full body workout. Hip and core strength are very important to me, and every kettlebell exercise utilizes those muscles. The cardiovascular benefits are also great because I like cardio, but I am not a huge fan of straight running. Kettlebell training incorporates so many aspects of physical activity and can be adjusted to any skill or fitness level.
ReplyDeleteCourtney’s blog also shares knowledge on the scientific benefits of kettlebells that is also extremely enlightening for those of us that like to know the science behind the workout. It seems that plenty of research supports kettlebell use. Kettlebells are more than just a fad; they are a researched exercise designed for creative full-body workouts.
Basically in gyms we have found these kinds of several kettlebell which was made of iron and found common in gyms. Mostly we are using this as weight lifting; it is a very popular and well-known gym equipment, which helps to keep our fitness in good condition. Apart from kettlebell people are also start using different other gym equipment to increase their fitness level.
ReplyDeleteGym Accessories