Do you know what a kettlebell is? It’s that thing in the gym
that looks like a heavy ball with a handle. Kettlebells came from the Russian word
girya, which the precise translation of the word is handleball – that is
exactly what a kettlebell is, a ball with a handle.
Kettlebells have a unique design that resembles a cannonball
with a handle. This configuration is what makes it unique because the center of
mass of the kettlebell is extended beyond the hand, which allows for ballistic,
or fast, swinging motions that combine cardio respiratory, strength, and
flexibility training that can also engage the entire body at once. Another
great thing about kettlebells is that they mimic functional activities.
Kettlebell training addresses the body as a functional
whole, rather than a collection of parts. Instead of exercising specific
muscles, kettlebell training trains the movements and motor patters that give
us efficient movement.
One main goal of kettlebell training is to increase fitness
and function by using a wide variety of movements along different planes, using
varied repetitions, and working all body parts.
Why train using kettlebells? They are:
1. Practical:
a.
Kettlebell training works more than just one
physical attribute. It combines muscle toning, cardiorespiratory conditioning,
and muscular endurance. These things can lead to increased strength and power,
improved flexibility and range of motion, fat loss, increased lean muscle mass,
reduced stress, and increased confidence.
2.
Versatile:
a.
Kettlebell training uses deep eccentric loading
that occurs when you swing the kettlebell between your legs to develop a
powerful hip thrust extension that is fundamental to all kinds of athletic
movements.
b.
It also strengthens and shapes the gluteal
muscles.
c.
Its offset center of gravity maximizes shoulder
strength and flexibility.
d.
Also, kettlebells work every conceivable angle
of your back both statically and dynamically.
e.
Finally, there are virtually unlimited juggling
patterns with kettlebell training because of the shape and position of the
handle.
3.
Unique:
a.
Kettlebells not only allow a user to perform
traditional weightlifting maneuvers such as the press, clean and jerk, snatch,
and etc., but also unorthodox skills, such as kettlebell juggling.
b.
In addition, because the load if the ball is in
front of the handle, it causes you to work through a larger range of motion
than a dumbbell or barbell would. You cannot swing a barbell through your legs,
but you can swing a kettlebell through your legs which can recruit muscle
fibers you didn’t even know you had.
4.
Inexpensive:
a.
Kettlebells are not only inexpensive, but also
do not require much space to use, which makes them convenient. You can outfit
your entire home or gym for a few hundred dollars and will likely never have to
replace them.
5.
Fun:
a.
Kettlebell training is fun because it is usually
unlike any other type of training and because it demands full engagement of the
body and mind.
6.
Efficient:
a.
Kettlebell training gets the job done, in less
time, because you do everything, strength training, anaerobic and aerobic
cardiorespiratory training, flexibility, and mobility, all at the same time.
7.
Athletic:
a.
Kettlebell training is a way to build your body,
but also to build your skills. It can help you develop all the major athletic
attributes including strength, power, mobility, balance, agility, coordination,
endurance, and stamina.
Regular dumbbell and barbell training is great – but so is
kettlebell training for many reasons. They each have their own purpose, and now
you have another tool to help you in your training!
Until next time,
Miranda Harris
mharris@mvhospital.net
No comments:
Post a Comment