What is Kettlebell?

What is Kettlebell?

We begin by answering the question, what is a Kettlebell?
Imagine a cannonball steel with a large handle: that you know what a kettlebell looks like
(the picture below should help you more).

The size of the steel ball varies between 8 and 48kg weight. On Russian origin, this cast-iron weight was widely used by the Red Army. Today, kettlebells are used again in the physical preparation of athletes.

Some might think that kettlebells are weights with different shapes, this is not the case!
If it is possible to perform the same movements with dumbbells,  the purpose of a kettlebell is quite different. Its center of gravity is offset by hand, it allows swings, which are not feasible with dumbbells.
Therein lies the strength of Kettlebells.

In addition to working your "biceps" with kettlebells you will also make a great cardiovascular work as many muscles will be sought in an effort to coordinate and balance.

In addition, in many kettlebell movements stands with one hand, it requires the practitioner to work multiple muscle groups at once, in synergy, which implies a very strong work sheathing.

It is very interesting to follow the High Intensity Interval Training program with kettlebell for example. They are also widely used for the physical preparation of boxers.

take care of your back.

 

Although, the movements seem easy to perform, they do not ask least some technique to avoid injury.

The mistake that most beginners make is due to not properly put their back.
Most of the work with Kettlebell (most movements) must be done with the legs (not with arms or back).

Start with kettlebells.

  

In general, we recommend a 8kg kettlebell for beginners women, and 12kg kettlebell for beginners men. After a few months of practice you can move to 12kg for women and 16 for men or 20kg.

however, the ideal, is to start with a "not too heavy" weight (which you get to handle easily) to assimilate the movements and avoid injury.

To give you an idea, here is a Kettlebell training program.

And you, have you tried kettlebells? Leave your comment below.