People used kettlebells for centuries. They were in Ancient Greece, Rome, Russia, China, and even the colonies before America was a country. They were based on the same principle of lifting and swinging a heavy weight to build strength but were made of various materials and may have looked slightly different. They were used to train soldiers and were often used in contests of strength. They reemerged in popularity more recently. The growth was slow initially, but as people realized how beneficial they were, it quickly grew.
The shape of the kettlebell makes the workout more intense.
Unlike barbells and dumbbells, the center of gravity of kettlebells hangs below your hand and constantly changes. For barbells and dumbbells, it stays in the center. That makes it harder to maintain balance and works core muscles more. The center of gravity on a kettlebell is just six to eight inches beyond your group. It moves every time you move. It works your body like everyday tasks or functional fitness workouts. Kettlebells build your grip strength, too.
Kettlebells are a total body workout that improves all types of fitness.
You’ll work all muscles when you do a kettlebell workout. You’ll also improve all types of fitness. Doing kettlebell workouts provides endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility training. Unlike strength training workouts with barbells, dumbbells, or bodyweight, you won’t have to alter your workout to get a total workout or add other exercises for endurance, balance, and flexibility. You’ll exercise your muscles on all planes because of the constant movement in different directions.
Kettlebells burn more calories because they are a whole-body workout.
The more muscles you use, the more calories you burn. Like other excellent forms of exercise, kettlebells can be adjusted to your fitness level by choosing heavier or lighter weights. A 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn as many calories as a 60-minute workout using another exercise. You can modify kettlebell workouts to target certain areas, but you’ll still benefit other muscle groups.
- The intensity of the workout with kettlebells can cut your workout time. You probably won’t notice how long you’ve exercised since using them is fun. Time will seem to go faster when you use kettlebells.
- Kettlebells are a low-impact exercise that provides cardiovascular benefits. It doesn’t have the same negative effect on joints as running since your feet never leave the floor, so there’s no jarring movement.
- Kettlebell workouts tend to work both large and small muscles than traditional strength-building exercises. The workouts are excellent for athletes to provide explosive power.
- Always check with your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise. In most cases, they’ll encourage you to do it. If weak muscles are a problem, start with a lightweight 5-pound kettlebell.
For more information, contact us today at LIV Fitness