WHY TRAIN WITH KETTLEBELLS
If you have been to the gym lately or on the ‘interweb’, you have probably heard about these things called kettlebells. Or maybe you have heard them being referred to as cowbells, kettleballs, eight balls and that cannon ball thing with a handle.
Kettlebells were developed in Russia in the 1700’s. The Soviet Army used them as part of their physical training and conditioning programs throughout the 20th century, and they have been used for competitions and sports throughout Europe since the 1940’s. Even though kettlebells have been around for years, they have only really been respected as a great strength and fitness tool since 2001, and that is thanks to Pavel Tsatsouline and John Du Cane.
If you’re still not convinced or even slightly intrigued, I suggest that you keep reading because I’m going to give you 4 reasons why you should train with kettlebells.
1.) More Bang for Your Buck
The fact is, when you train with kettlebells you burn more calories. Due to the kettlebell’s centre of mass being offset, you are forced to stabilise the weight much more than you are with a traditional dumbbell. This forces your muscles to contract more, hence building your strength at a faster rate; it also results in more weight being lifted and a greater calorie burning effect.
If you don’t believe me, try pressing your favourite sized dumbbell above your head and then go and press a kettlebell of the same weight. It’s harder, isn’t it?
If you want to burn more calories with your current workout simply switch your dumbbell with a kettlebell.
2.) Links up the Body
When you train with kettlebells you use every single muscle in your body. In the RKC community we have a saying – “every lift is a full body lift” – meaning that when you press, you don’t just use your ‘pressing muscles’, you also use your back, legs and core to complete the lift, and the same can be said for every other exercise.
Because the kettlebell bridges the gap between the upper and lower body, you end up training how you’re designed to move; your body is designed to move as one and not like a robot where you separate your body into certain days.
For example:
Monday – chest
Wednesday – back
Friday – legs
Because the body moves as one, it means that you will spend less time in the gym, you will train more muscles at the one time, and in general it will result in a better body for you.
3.) You Never Miss a Workout.
Kettlebells allow you to train anywhere and at any time. Long gone are the days where you would have to drive to the gym, train, shower, and then drive home in order to get an entire workout. With kettlebells you can train in the comfort of your own home, without any interruptions or waiting around for fitness equipment.
This brings me to my final point, which is the biggest reason why you should train with kettlebells and the obvious conclusion to be drawn from the previous 3 reasons…
4.) Time Efficient
Kettlebell workouts are very time efficient. Because you can do every single exercise that a dumbbell offers and more, you will find that you’re able to complete more work in less time because changing from one exercise to the next is as simple as just getting into the position. You can literally move from one exercise to the next without even putting the bell down. All of this equates to a lot of volume (sets and reps), which results in greater calorie expenditure.
If you’re pressed for time, the kettlebell is your answer.
So, there you have it, the top 4 reasons why you should train with kettlebells. If you’re interested in getting more bang for your buck, training your entire body, burning more calories and fat, all at once and in less time than you ever thought possible without having to travel to the gym, then the kettlebell is for you!
Written by Grant Lofthouse
Grant is an RKC and the founder of Cardio Haters Training. He specializes in getting people sexy without cardio and has a current mission to help 100,000 cardio haters set themselves free from the treadmill grind. Grant has also been featured in Australia’s Women’s Health & Fitness, Muscle & Fitness and Oxygen magazine. For more info visit www.CardioHaters.com
