The Top 10 Benefits of Kettlebells

Kettlebell training is accessible and practical for all. From the elite athlete looking for an edge, to the sedentary person looking to discover fitness for the first time. And everyone in between. All can benefit.

Top Fitness Trends
The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America’s leading authority on fitness, included kettlebells among the top ten fitness trends for 2009:

“ The reason for the surge in kettlebell training is that it gets back to basic training that requires functional, whole body fitness. . . . a great way to get a whole body workout in a relatively short period of time. ”
—– Press Release, December 9, 2008

1. Combines "cardio" and “strength” trainingAs one of the best kettlebell coaches once said, “life doesn't respect the difference." Try sprinting to catch a train while carrying a heavy package or pushing a stroller, did all that "cardio" training you did in "step class" or on the recumbent bike really help that much? The continuous movments of the Kettlebell gives you a "resistive cardio" workout. This ensures that you burn the   maximum amount of calories, burn fat and improve lean muscle......... all in one!!!

2. You won’t bulk up.... Just slim down!Women get the svelte, lean, firm shape that enhances the best of the female body. Think Penelope Cruz, or Jennifer Lopez, both firm advocators of Kettlebell training!

3. Build a lean, muscular physiqueMen see that coveted wedge shape emerge as the training creates broad shoulders, defines abdominals, builds up their arms and pares down their waists. It's a lean look, more like Bruce Lee than Arnold

4. Develops core strength Kettlebells require you to engage the core in almost every lift. Being a real stickler of technique really pays divedends when using Kettlebells, as you start working all the deeper glute & core muscles that can often get neglected. This is why they have a reputation for strengthening backs and abs like nothing else before

5. Better posture— the real thingBecause of the increase in core strength and the postural muscles, KB’s strengthen you from head to toe. This is not only key to athletic performance, but for staying injury and pain free and having perfect posture

6. The solution for busy peopleBusy people want to get the most from their time, as opposed to wandering about the gym for hours on end. Kettlebells are the solution to trying to squeeze cardio, strength AND flexibility training in an already overbooked schedule. Because of the intensive nature, the workout duration must be kept short. Best of all, they are so small and portable, training can take place in your bedroom

7. Very different from dumbbells, barbells & every other bit of equipmentAnyone who has picked up a kettlebell has felt the difference. The off centered weight of a KB recruits more stabilizer muscles and works the targeted muscles through a wider range of motion. It’s because of the off-center design of the KB. Isolation exercises such as those done with dumbbells and barbells do not hit those stabilizing muscles to the same degree

8. Don’t confuse kettlebells with conventional weight training or bodybuilding.

We focus on (a) movements, not muscles, (b) whole-body, functional training, (c) strength as a function of mobility, (d) cardio and strength combined

9. Easy to learnMovements are simple and you can start using them right away. No matter how old or out-of-shape you are, everyone can do it and should be doing it

10. And most important.............. It’s fun! KB exercises and movements are simple, fun, unique and you can combine it with other exercise modalities. You can make it as fun as you want it to be. No more reason to be in a sweaty gym. Come along to our kettlebell classes here in Richmond and have the workout of your life. Save on gym membership fees and do your training where you love it the most