Kettlebell Training: Swing Your Way Into a New Fitness Routine

By Lauren Fairbanks, Equinox Fitness San Francisco

Looking for big results in less time at the gym?  Wasting time wondering what all the rubber bands and big squishy exercise balls are all about?  Look no more, because kettlebells are taking over the fitness scene!  Although kettlebell training has been around for centuries, it hasn’t been until recently that people have ventured away from traditional dumbbell and stationary machine exercises and started to incorporate kettlebells into their fitness routine.

  

So, what’s the big deal with these Kettlebells anyway?  Kettlebells are cannonball shaped cast iron weights with a suitcase-like handle developed by Russians.  They are used to perform ballistic movements such as swings, cleans, snatches and jerks.  They range anywhere from 2lbs all the way to 100lbs, making them useful for individuals at any fitness level. Kettlebells are a dynamic training tool that incorporates cardiovascular, muscular strength and flexibility training all in one.  The off-center weight of a kettlebell forces you to use more stabilizing muscles and work targeted muscles through a longer range of motion.

 

So, you only have 30 minutes a day to exercise and you’re bored with the treadmill or traditional lifting programs in the gym?  You want to burn more calories in less time while improving your overall strength and endurance?  Kettlebells might just be your saving grace.  Kettlebell training works the whole body at once, with a lot of emphasis on building strength and power in the legs, back and core.  Few other training tools provide results so quickly. 

 

Kettlebells aren’t just being used by the average gym-goer these days; top athletes worldwide are discovering how kettlebell training gives them an edge against their competition.  Many strength and conditioning coaches are discovering the powerful benefits of training their athletes using kettlebells.  Kettlebells focus on muscle integration, rather than isolation.  This provides the body with a foundation for overall strength; making it one of the most functional training tools out there. In addition to being lean and strong, kettlebell training teaches the body to work as one unit.

 

Although kettlebells can provide a kick butt workout in less time, they can also be dangerous to those who have a weak core, back or shoulders.  Bad form could seriously injure your joints, neck, back and spine.  It is important to start out with the lighter bells and work with a certified personal trainer to ensure you are using proper form and technique.  So don’t be shy, pick up that kettlebell you’ve been eyeing for months now and swing your way to a better body!   

 Lauren Fairbanks Bio: Tier 3 Personal Trainer Equinox Fitness in San Francisco

Education: BS in Dietetics from Central Michigan University

Certifications: American Academy of Personal Training CPT, Kettlebells, TRX, Pre/post natal

Specialties: Sports specific training, core conditioning, functional training, group fitness, nutrition

Sports/Background: Track and Field, Cycling, Volleyball, Basketball, Running

Hometown: Rogers City, MI

 If you are considering Kettlebell Training, please contact Lauren Fairbanks (415-593-4000) at Equinox Fitness San Francisco. Executive Express Chiropractic patients receive a complimentary 3 day pass and a one hour Personal Training session (just mention this article). Check out Equinox Fitness and Kettlebell Training Today!

Comments

[Weight Loss]

"Kettlebells might just be your saving grace."
But not your health:( Kettlebells as other heavy weight lifting have bad impact on a spine core and back muscles when you lift'em with one hand. What happens in this case? One half of your body experienses a heavy strain when the other is relatively relaxed, plus you have your shoulders and hips uneven, which twists vertebra even more. Pulling weights is only ok if you hold a kettlebell close to the chest with both hands and squat with your hips squared.

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