Okay maybe this is a bit odd given that Christmas is already over BUT the fact that I got this nice set of kettlebells for Christmas evens out every inapproprite singing here.
I realized that I haven’t posted a workout in ages! So as I have no recipe for you today I thought it would be fun to talk a bit about my recent workouts.
So today I am going to tell you a little about kettlebell workouts and why I like them so much! I also share some of my favorite kettlebell moves, how I add a new move to my workout routine and how you can start to work with them on your own.
The kettlebell is definitely one of my favorite gadget when it comes to workout equipment. You may wonder why the kettlebell and I quickly became such good friends. I will tell you of course.
Why I love the kettlebell
- You can work your entire body speak arms, abs, back, glutes, hamstrings with only one set of kettlebells
- You can use it in so many different ways that your workout is certainly not getting boring
- They are not too big so you can store them almost everywhere, no matter how small your apartment may be
- You usually don’t need more space than a yoga mat to work with them at home
How I started to workout with the kettlebell
If you are a beginner I would recommend to get a lighter set of kettlebells with not more than 18 lbs each. If you don’t want to invest in a lighter pair first you can start out with a single one, too. Maybe you can even borrow one or get one second-hand.
It’s absolutely important to learn to handle the kettlebell correctly before you start to work with heavier weights. I personally like to learn a new move with a lighter weight so that I can focus on the move instead of the actual weight. As soon as I have fully understood the move I start increasing the weight gradually. SAFETY FIRST, GUYS!
YouTube is also a great source of information for me. I like to watch some videos first before I start with a new move. Then I practice in front of a mirror to check my posture. I am prone to have sloping or sagging shoulders and I always have to correct my back. I found these two videos extremely helpful when I first started to work with the kettlebells on my own:
My top 5 kettlebell moves
1. Kettlebell Swings – man they work the entire body!
2. Double kettlebell Clean and Front Squat
3. Single Kettlebell Deadlifts – perfect for improving balance
4. Russian Twists – the ab killer!
5. Bent-over-Rows
Next time I post a kettlebell workout routine that I swear works your whole body. You will be sore and discover muscles you hadn’t known before. Promise!
Before I wish you all a wonderful weekend I want to outline again that I am neither a certified trainer nor do I have any professional education in this area. I just share my personal experience and what was helpful for myself. If you are not sure how to handle the kettlebell please see a certified trainer and let him or her explain everything to you. As I said, safety first!
Okay now I can wholeheartedly say: Have a wonderful weekend guys!
Agree, safety first! I have a love hate relationship with kettle bells – I love KB clean and jerks, full american swings in a WOD but hate Turkish get ups!
I must admit I am too uncoordinated for Turkish get-ups. I never know what leg to use next 😛
I have been dying to try a kettleball class- There are none here and the one’s I’ve seen at the gym scare me lol!
Don’t be scared! Try it. And all the cool kids are doing it 😉
They use kettle bells in some of my classes at the gym, and it’s been cool to work with them. I don’t actually own any, but maybe one day. It will never be enough to cancel out my horrific singing though.
Same here, same here 😀 I deserve the worst singer in the world award!