The Benefits of Kettlebells

the benefits of kettlebells

Kettlebell training is extremely beneficial for all whether you are just starting out with exercise or if you are the sportiest and fittest person. Kettlebells get you back to basic functional training that works your whole body. It's the perfect workout to target your whole body in a short period of time. They are also very versatile. You can use a kettlebell for something as simple as a shoulder press to something as complicated as a Turkish get up. They come in all shapes and sizes to cater for beginners and pros alike.

There are hundreds of benefits to using kettlebells in your workouts or heading to a kettlebell class. Here are just some of my favourite reasons why I like using kettlebells-

Calorie Burning

Kettlebells burn a serious amount of calories. Recent research shows that it can burn up to 20 calories a minute! That's about the same amount as if you were running a 6 minute mile!

You only need one

Strength training is extremely beneficial for body composition, joint and bone health, metabolism and strength. For most weighted exercises you need a couple of dumbbells or several weights on a bar or machine. Not with kettlebells! One will do.

Strength, Flexibility and Cardio

With exercise you generally need weights for strength, yoga for flexibility and running or hiit for cardio. Kettlebells offer the full package. The ballistic nature of kettlebell training incorporates all forms of fitness.

Improve Posture

Using so many muscle groups in conjunction means your core has to stay engaged to stabilize each and every movement. This coincides with the point below about kettlebells being unbalanced.

Fat Loss

First, there is the extremely high metabolic cost of throwing the weight around. It’s a strength training workout creating dense muscle mass, which burns calories from fat stores while increasing your resting metabolism. Basically, the more muscle you have the more fat you will burn.

They aren't Balanced

Traditional weights are balanced so the centre of gravity is in the centre. A kettlebells centre of gravity isn't in the centre therefor to keep it stable your core and glutes need to work harder. A stronger core can help reduce back pain and helps eliminate the risk of injury.

Fun and Enjoyable

A lot of exercises and classes get very repetitive which can lead to boredom. Kettlebells put a different spin on many exercises.. You are more likely to stick to kettlebells as they are quick and enjoyable.

Serious Cardio

Yes, the dreaded cardio word! I know what you are all thinking but yes, cardio is beneficial in all kinds of training styles. Kettlebells will make you re-think what your max heart rate is!

Do it at Home

Kettlebells are small and easy to store. If you don't like heading out and joining a class then it can be easily done at home.

Amie xx

Note: Images not my own and found on google.

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ABOUT ME

THE GIRL BEHIND FITNESS FORSTER

My name is Amie and I am the face behind Fitness Forster.
I am a freelance recipe developer, content creator and qualified personal trainer. I developed this website to share my passion for healthy recipes, fitness and travel.