How to use a Kettlebell – Part 2

As for any other exercise using weights, you want to be sure your body is planted firmly on your heels for a strong foundation against which you’ll improve your strength. Also, you should never hold the kettlebell directly over your head because it is not as easy to grip as traditional weights. It would be catastrophic to have a kettlebell slip from your hands and land on your head.

Using a kettlebell is like using any other weight. You should protect your joints and especially your lower back. Don’t slouch your shoulders or round your back. This only increases the weight load on your lower back.

Kettlebells are important to develop explosive action and motion and will also help you increase your strength. However, if power and strength are all you are after, then traditional weights are more than adequate for the job. Kettlebells are one of the trendiest items at the gym, but not always necessary for your particular needs.

Traditional weights are used slowly with higher weight and lower reps (muscle build) or lower weight and higher reps (fat burn). But, kettlebells are used for higher and faster repetitions to activate more mucle groups. The intent is to increase the muscles’ ability to perform fast and powerful movements repeatedly. Using the kettlebell can help improve your ability to accurately swing your golf clubs after 16 holes or block a basketball shot late in the game.

Resources:

Quick and Dirty Tips: How to use Kettlebells

http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/exercise/how-to-use-kettlebells

Fitday: How to use and choose the right kettlebell

http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/fitness/equipment/how-to-use-and-choose-the-right-kettlebell.html#b

Bodybuilding: Kettlebells

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/henkin24.htm

Breaking muscle: Getting Started with Kettlebells

http://breakingmuscle.com/kettlebells/getting-started-with-kettlebells-how-to-buy-learn-train

Prevention: Why We Love kettlebells

http://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/kettlebell-workout-how-use-kettlebells

Mens health: Kettleballs vs Free Weights