Posted by Stephen Messineo on Fri, Sep 04, 2009 @ 07:01 AM
Kettlebells
are cast iron balls about the size of bowling balls with a curved handle on one
side. Ranging in weight from two to 100 pounds, they are used to promote functional,
whole-body conditioning. Some models are designed so that additional weight
can be added in small increments to create a progressive resistance regimen.
Because Pavel
Tsatsouline, a Soviet strength and conditioning trainer, popularized
kettlebells in the United States, they are sometimes called “Russian
kettlebells.” Popular among athletes, mixed martial artists and actors,
kettlebells are showing up in more and more fitness and rehabilitation centers.
Kettlebells
owe their popularity to the fact that they provide a coordinated
full-body
workout. While many fitness routines emphasize isolation and strengthening of
individual muscle groups, a kettlebell workout requires all the muscles of
the body to work together. For example, a kettlebell cannot be lifted
without properly engaging the hips.
To prevent
injury, correct positioning and movement of the body when performing kettlebell
exercises is extremely important. Monitored by an experienced instructor,
training should begin with lightweight kettlebells, until proper execution of
the exercise becomes second nature. Later, more weight and more repetitions can
be added.
Enthusiasts
find that kettlebell exercises not only increase core strength but also promote
flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular fitness and the development of
explosive power. This whole-body approach is believed to more closely mimic
the way the entire body needs to work as a unit during athletic activities.
Our All-Access Fitness Academy training staff
will be happy to develop a program that incorporates kettlebells into your
total fitness or rehabilitation program. This equipment might be just the
ticket to improve your body strength and conditioning through a full-body
workout. For more information on our training programs, click here.