The usual go-to pieces of equipment at the gym are dumbbells and barbells. Here’s a thought: Why not add a slight variation to your workout routine and start incorporating kettlebell workouts in the routine?
Kettlebells started becoming popular when CrossFit and Strongman based sports started using them. However, kettlebell workouts have been around since the 19th century. Additionally, kettlebells are one of the easiest weights to move around owing to the way they have been designed.
Kettlebell Workouts Vs Barbell/Dumbbell Workouts:
Kettlebell workouts are rather useful for the individuals who are in a rush or want to avoid dumbbells and barbells. Kettlebells have the same amount of weight distribution as dumbbells do which makes them efficient equipments. A rather common misconception is that kettlebell workouts are just for cardio. This is truly not the case. Kettlebells can be used for weight training, power training, strength and conditioning, and are proper substitutes of barbells or dumbbells.
Advantages Of Kettlebell Workouts:
Stability along with the strengthening of the core. Kettlebell workouts include holding the weight with one hand by using the handle attached. Due to this reason, it is important to engage your core in the exercise and use it to improve your stability. The core engagement is one of the reasons why we do not tip over when using kettlebells.
Numerous muscles worked on at once. Kettlebell workouts include the working of numerous muscles and numerous joints at the same time. Most of the movements with kettlebells will require plenty of wrist movements due to the hand. Otherwise, even if they are used for exercises such as goblet squats, you will notice significant areas getting worked.
Another variation to your routine. There will be times when your body will get used to the daily routine of dumbbells and barbells. It is during these times that kettlebells come handy. They are a great source of weighted pieces of equipment and you can easily pick up a kettlebell instead of a dumbbell and give your workout routine a variation.
A fulfilling range of motion. Workouts that include kettlebells include a larger range of motion. This is usually because most exercises with kettlebells include a different range of motion. Under no circumstances does this mean that dumbbells or barbells do not provide a proper range of motion. Every exercise you perform has a range of motion and it is important to complete that range at all times.
Popular Kettlebell Exercises:
Kettlebell Swing:
This is one of the most popular exercises using a kettlebell. If you want to start off with kettlebells, this is a must. This exercise can initiate a fat-burn that not all exercises can accomplish. On top of that, it helps in improving your athletic fitness and functional stability.
KETTLEBELL THrusters:
Kettlebell workouts are incomplete without the thrusters. This is an underrated full-body movement that helps in strength training and core stability. The workout includes your quads, back, and hips to a large extent.
KETTLEBELL SNATCH:
Research has found that kettlebell snatch is a movement that will keep your heart-rate within the fat-burning range. This is the reason why kettlebell snatch is a popular exercise in CrossFit workout routines. You can burn almost 20 calories a minute by performing this exercise.
KEttlebell goblet squat:
The goblet squat is one of the exercises that are performed rarely. However, the kettlebell has brought back goblet squats into the routine. Kettlebells provide a proper grip handle which makes it easier to perform this exercise. Otherwise, you can hold the kettlebell from underneath and do the same.
Kettlebell Farmer’s Walk:
This exercise should be done at the end of your workout. This is primarily used to increase your stability and to cool your body after a tough workout. Additionally, the farmer’s walk will help in reducing lower-back pain while improving your wrist and forearm strength.
Final Words On Kettlebell Workouts:
Kettlebell workouts must be treated with respect because they provide numerous advantages. These workouts are incredible if you want to burn more calories within a shorter span of time. Not only do kettlebells help in burning calories, but it will also help in improving your stamina levels. Check out the following video by Funk Roberts giving insights on kettlebell workouts!
Whenever you perform kettlebell exercises make sure you do not take a weight more than you can handle. Kettlebell workouts can lead to serious injury if not done using proper form and posture. The best advice is to start off with an experienced trainer and then slowly but steadily moving on to doing these exercises by yourself!