Are Kettlebells a Good Workout?
Kettlebells are a great workout option for those looking to incorporate functional strength and training into their routine. Not only does kettlebell training provide a full body workout with effective exercises that can be tailored to any fitness level, but they also offer a fun and creative way to move core muscles and improve overall strength, endurance, and balance.
Kettlebell Workouts
Kettlebells can be used for many traditional strength-building movements such as squats, deadlifts, presses, rows, and snatches. Additionally, because the kettlebell's weight is not distributed evenly over entire body like with barbell or dumbbell weights, it requires more stability and core engagement during exercises. This makes the kettlebell an ideal option for people of all levels who want to focus on strengthening their core and improving their balance.
Many kettlebell exercises are ballistic in nature, making them ideal for low-impact cardiovascular training . Kettlebell circuits and flows don't take up a lot of time, are performed at submaximal loads, and will not only stimulate the your abdominal muscles and back, but also place a lot of positive demand on your cardio system.
Kettlebell Swing
One of the best kettlebell exercises is the kettlebell swing, which targets muscles in the entire lower body. Kettlebell swings are an effective exercise that can help build strength, endurance, and balance. To perform a kettlebell swing, you keep your spine straight to hold a single kettlebell with both hands, lean forward and use momentum to swing it up to chest height and back down with arms straight out in an arc-like motion. As you swing, your hips should be driving the movement while your arms act as guides. Make sure you keep your feet shoulder width and core tight to help with your balance and prevent injury.
One of the main benefits of performing a kettlebell swing is that they train the hips to produce force in both strength and speed. The reason hip strength is so important is because it ensures stability and helps prevent injuries. By doing kettlebell swings with one arm, you can increase the demand you place on the shoulder stabilizing muscles and correcting any muscle imbalances. Keep in mind not to swing too high or low - chest or shoulder height is perfect. Another thing kettlebell swings are great for is improving your grip strength just from gripping the handles.
Kettlebell Press
The kettlebell press is a great exercise to strengthen the upper body and improve overall stability. It requires a good level of strength and coordination, but can be done with any weight size. The movement is similar to a regular standing shoulder press but because of the uneven weight distribution of the kettlebell, it also boosts your core strength as you work to balance the weight.
Kettlebell Clean and Press
This is one of the best compound movements without a doubt because not only will it help build your shoulder muscles, but also improve your core and grip strength. People use this extremely potent exercise to increase strength and stamina. Stand holding two kettlebells by your thighs, knees bent slightly, and legs shoulder-width apart. In one swift movement, slightly jump off the ground and raise your arms to overhead position each time your feet land on the ground.
Kettlebell Farmer's Walk
This is another one of our favorites, and it is very easy to perform. This exercise is ideal for building grip and plugging onto the end of a tough workout. It also helps to build muscle on your upper back while fighting lower back pain and being a useful conditioning and fat loss tool. To do this exercise, grab a very heavy kettlebell and literally just walk it out.
Goblet Squat
This is another fundamental exercise you can use with kettlebells. The goblet squat is a great full-body exercise that builds muscle and strength particularly in the legs, core, and glutes, improves mobility, and develops cardiovascular fitness. Exercisers of all levels can use this kettlebell exercise as a solid warm up or as a way to progress to a weighted front squat using a barbell.
This particular kettlebell exercise translates nicely to everyday functional movements, as it mimics squatting down to pick something up off of the bottom shelf at the grocery store, rising out of a chair, or getting out of bed in the morning. This kettlebell workout is a total body juggernaut of a movement and it is very simple to learn.
Benefits of Kettlebell Workouts
There are numerous benefits of kettlebell workouts, beyond just improving strength and balance. Since a kettlebell workout involves multiple muscle groups at once, they are great for burning calories and losing fat while also toning your muscles. Here are some of the main advantages that come with incorporating kettlebells into your workout routine:
1. Increased Muscle Tone - Since kettlebell movements challenge multiple muscles at once, you can expect to tone and build lean muscle mass more quickly than traditional lifts or exercises. Additionally, because of the dynamic nature of most kettlebell exercises workouts, you can work your muscles in different ways and at varying intensities.
2. Improved Mobility - Kettlebell exercises require more coordination than traditional strength training movements. By working on specific moves with good form, you can increase joint mobility and range of motion, which can help to reduce pain and decrease risk of injury.
3. Increased Cardiovascular Endurance - Kettlebell workouts are a great way to build cardiovascular endurance since they involve dynamic and intense movements that raise your heart rate quickly. This type of training helps to improve both aerobic and anaerobic fitness levels.
HIIT Workouts
Kettlebells are also excellent for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) - short bursts of powerful movements mixed with rest periods - which can help increase cardiovascular endurance as well as burn fat more effectively than steady-state cardio workouts. In addition, since kettlebells come in a variety of shapes and weights they can easily be adapted to suit both beginner and advanced athletes alike; adding new exercises when desired or reducing weight if need be.
Are Kettlebell Workouts Better Than Running?
Kettlebell exercises are a great alternative to more traditional forms of cardio such as running and cycling. They provide an intense, full-body exercise that not only builds strength, balance, power endurance, and coordination but also burns fat efficiently. You can buy kettlebells in weights ranging from 5 pounds to 100 pounds at sporting goods stores and online retailers.
No matter your fitness level, kettlebell workouts can offer a great way to get in shape while having fun at the same time. With good form and practice, you’ll be well on your way to reaping all of the benefits that come with having strong, toned muscles and improved balance.
It’s important to note that when using kettlebells, the weight of the bell is an important factor to consider when performing exercises. Beginners should start with a lighter kettlebell until they're able to properly control the movements of just one kettlebell and build up their strength. Switch your exercises between your right and left arm, and only move on to heavier weights when you feel comfortable enough in your ability. Additionally, it’s important to practice proper form and use a strong grip when doing any kettlebell exercises in order to avoid potential injury. Lastly, remember to listen to your body, and start off light because that you can always increase the intensity of your workouts or add more complex exercises as you progress in your fitness journey.
If you choose a kettlebell that is too heavy or you have poor form, you are more likely to lose control of it. This can lead to serious injury. It may help to start out with an experienced personal trainer or fitness professional who can correct your technique if needed. Adding a kettlebell to an existing workout is great if you want to burn more calories in less time, and it will also quickly stimulate muscle growth and build stamina.
Final Thoughts on Kettlebell Workouts
Overall, kettlebells provide a fun and effective way to incorporate strength training into any fitness routine. Their ability to target multiple muscles at once makes these training tools an excellent option for people of all levels who are looking to strengthen their bodies and improve their overall fitness. With their versatility, effectiveness, and accessibility, kettlebells are the perfect tool for anyone looking to get fit or stay active, no matter if you're a beginner or experienced!
