Kettlebells - What's Old is New
Do you feel like you have more of a kettlebell body than a body transformed by kettlebells? Kettlebells are a Russian workout that may seem like the latest thing, but they’ve been around for quite some time. What is old is new again and this is definitely the case when it comes to kettlebells as people from all walks of life are beginning to workout with kettlebells to reach their fitness goals.
‘Bells’ essentially look like cannonballs that have handles and weigh anywhere from 8 to 88 pounds. Traditionally used by men, women are enthusiastically also using them to reach their fitness goals.
There are a number of kettlebell workout routines to provide a truly intense workout – allowing for the greatest efficiency to anyone doing a proper workout. Similar to powerlifting, bell workouts require short bursts of power – even though there are workouts that can focus on more endurance focused usage.
Pulling from powerlifting and Olympic lifting, the most common exercises include the jerk, the snatch, and the clean and jerk. Other common weightlifting exercises can also be done based on the awkward shape of the bell.
The advantages to working out with kettlebells are numerous, including their portability so they can be used anywhere. The power and beauty of the kettlebell as a workout tool lies in its design.
Although a workout with kettlebells can be used by people at all fitness levels, from it’s important to work with a reputable trainer to ensure safety and familiarity with the awkward weights, particularly due to the reliance on momentum and manipulation.
The following is an excerpt from the San Francisco Chronicle providing sources to buy kettlebells online and how to find a kettlebell trainer.
Excerpt from “Kettlebells - old school and the latest thing” - Amy Moon, Special to The Chronicle
Monday, April 13, 2009
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/04/12/DDH316Q9JQ.DTL
Where to buy kettlebells online
- Orangekettlebellclub.com (AKC/WKC Kettlebells, 8kg-48kg, $29.95-$164.95)
- Dragondoor.com (RKC black kettlebells, industry standard for cast-iron bells 4kg-48kg, $47-$219)
- Russianreds.com (RKC Russian Red Kettlebells, slightly less expensive bells, 4kg-32kg. $115-$149)
- Aderkettlebells.com (high quality, less expensive, 4kg-92kg)
- Performbetter.com (Sport bells suitable for beginners, 2kg-32kg, $29.95-$164.95)
Tips on finding a kettlebell trainer
- John Wild Buckley says to "look online at the blogs and get a fair representation of what people are into."
- Make sure the trainer is certified with a reputable organization.
- Find a trainer who follows a style that appeals to you.
- Check out the workshops and conferences they've attended. See if they are dedicated to their own education.
- Find out how much experience they've had training people. Ask for references.
- Attend a workshop and see how you like it.
A workout with kettlebells can be intense, effective and fun. This Russian workout will give you more of a desired shape than what you could call a 'kettlebell body'. Talk to a trainer or join a class where you can become familiar and comfortable with kettlebell workout routines. You'll be glad you did.