The Kettlebell.
What is a kettlebell?
Most agree that the kettlebell was doing the rounds in Russia as early as 1704, when they were used as a counterweight for measuring grains and other things . People figured out that lifting them provided health and strength benefits (as well as the opportunity to see who was the strongest… show offs!)
Skip to the 90’s and Pavel Tsatouline bought the kettlebell into the mainstream with his article “ Vodka, Pickle Juice, Kettlebell Lifting and Other Russian Pastimes” which quickly saw kettlebells gain popularity and use. Not surprising, it’s a catchy title for sure, who wouldn’t want to have a go?
We think the kettlebell is one of the best bits of kit to use when used correctly (we’ll show you how) and here’s why:
A complete workout
Need to get stronger, more flexible, work on your cardio and core conditioning? Look no further, a kettlebell can provide all of this – it’s the gift that keeps giving!
Functional strength
A kettlebell with strengthen all the “stuff” that keeps gives your body support and stability. It helps to build muscle definition (not bulk, unless that’s your goal!) and will keep your tendons and ligaments strong, you know the bits that join all your muscles and bones together. These overall improvements build on your functional strength which helps with everything you do.
Less chance of shoulder injury
Unlike weight machines, which control the plane of the movement you are performing, kettlebells have an offset centre of gravity which means your body is working as one. There are no guard rails controlling your movement, your body does that. How is this good? This sort of training maximises your shoulder strength, flexibility and health.
Improved Hip thrust
We can think of a heap of benefits as to why you’d want to improve your hip thrust, but your hips are the power house in lots of athletic movements – jumps, kicks, punches etc. Because kettlebells make you hone your hip action with dynamic loads, you’ll reap improvements elsewhere too!
Greater back strength
A kettlebell will help improve your back strength as the exercises you can perform with a bell will work your back from many different angles and ranges of motion.
Hand, wrist and arm development
Kettlebells will help improve your grip, wrist and forearm strength.
Kettlebells, the ultimate workout companion. Want to know how to get the most out of it? Get in touch today and we’ll show you how to train with a kettlebell the correct way – we’ll even include some pickles if that’s your thing.
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