Jan

Should you train with a Russian Kettlebell?

By admin

You know as much as I enjoy a one size fits all way of doing things I must admit not everything is appropriate for every person. The Russian Kettlebell is no different. Yes it is true the Russian Kettlebells can be used to accomplish just about any goal you can imagine but as many different goals as there are there are just as many different kinds of people, or at least different kinds of personalities in different types of people.

First let me just get this out in the open. There is nothing magical about a kettlebell. Its just a tool. A powertool in the hands of someone who doesn’t pay attention or doesn’t know what they are doing is bad news. In the hands of an experienced and qualified craftsmen its a much different story. A recent conversation I had with a kettlebell sceptic led me to realize once again how many people are still in the dark when it comes to the methods I use. His question was “How does using a kettlebell make the curl any more effective then using a dumbbell?” Well I could go into the offset center of mass making the top of the curl more difficult but the beauty of kettlebells and particularly the RKC system is that we enforce full body movements instead of bodyparts. When you do full body movements the muscles involved in those movements (which is what they are meant to do) will take care of themselves. Ever look at the biceps of a person in the middle of a heavy deadlift? They aren’t relaxed thats for sure. The kettlebell swing is the same way. A much simpler way of looking at training sessions is to categorize them as pushes and pulls. Full body pushes and pulls cover all the bases…and do it in a much shorter time frame. 20 minute sessions 3 times a week sound good to you? Many of my clients get better results training 1 hour a week then most people do in a gym training 5 hours a week.

So what kinds of things can you expect from kettlebell training with training full body movements as opposed to isolated muscles (isolation is a myth anyways). A more sculpted butt, thighs, hips, and abs with lower body fat. Increased energy levels. Leaner sexier abs. More definition of your shoulders and arms. Increased flexibility particularly in the shoulders and hips. Quick fat loss (This is due to the release of fat burning hormones and high calorie burning. Experience the high rep kettlebell swing and you will see why.) Improve balance and coordination from using your body as a single cohesive unit rather then a collection of body parts. Stronger core muscle to prevent back pain, we do everything from the ground up and swings, cleans and snatches in particular are great for strengthening the upper glute and lower back (a common cause of back pain). Stronger bones and connective tissues to prevent osteoporosis and injuries.
Reduced stress and blood pressure. Honestly this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Now onto my original intent. Is it right for you? Well I don’t know who you are but hear me out. Women looking to drop a few pounds of body fat will find it extremely effective. One of my clients lost a dress size in less then a month (not bad considering she only trained an hour a week total). Martial artists will notice a bit more snap in their punches due to the ballistic strength in the hips from the kettlebell swing. Grapplers will notice a significant increase in power and a grip that won’t get tired. Police Officers will notice that they have the conditioning to chase down a suspect and the strength to hold them down. Men will notice a physique that is sinewy, ripped and powerful with muscle definition in all the right places. Ultimate fitness for regular people.

Now who isn’t it appropriate for? Lazy people. The ones who are content to come to the gym just to kill time. Any road will get you there if you don’t care where there is. People who are content with their fitness probably won’t want to get into this. If you just want to turn on your ipod and read a magazine while going on a treadmill or elliptical at a whopping 5 miles an hour Kettlebell training probably isn’t for you. If you don’t pay attention to what you are doing you should find something else. Kettlebell training requires you to pay attention both for safety and for results.

If you have any questions about Kettlebell Training don’t be afraid to ask me.

Eric Moss RKC over and out

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