• Pain free movement
• Weight loss / weight management
• Muscular tone and condition
• Improved sports performance incl. Golf, football, running, rugby etc
• Improved strength

You can be excused for looking at these magnificent tools and being rather uncertain, but don't be put off. They may well be the very thing that you are looking for. If one of the above points is something you are searching for then read on:

We are hugely passionate about using these tools as they encourage ideal movement patterns within the body and help with reversing all the bad postural habits that we have become used to through spending hours and hours sitting down.

Origin

It is difficult to identify the true origin of kettlebells, although many of those who try to claim ownership include Romans, Greeks, Scots, Russians and Siberians. Having stood the test of time and been used for hundreds of years if not more, they prove that they provide something a whole lost more than a typical health and fitness fad.

Unique

There are a few reasons why they offer something completely different from a typical load like a dumbbell. Firstly, the weight is outside of the handle and this immediately asks different questions of the body when in use. Secondly, the movements that are associated are much more based on natural movement that encompass the whole body instead of isolating specific areas. There are benefits to isolation exercises and you can look to enjoy some of these with kettlebells, but look at the body like a machine. If you focus on the whole system as opposed to just smaller parts, you are bound to receive better integration, function and altogether improved training effect.

It is really up to you when it comes to how a session will be but you can have one of the best cardio work outs ever. They work your musculature extremely well but they also offer an incredible cardiovascular alternative. Within a matter of minutes, they can have your heart rate up to 300% over resting heart rate which compares to an average of just under 100% above resting heart rate whilst using conventional weights.

Benefits

The benefits are vast and can be easily tailored specific to that which you are looking for. The movements will undoubtedly improve your posture, core strength, movement function, balance, coordination, internal function (digestion etc) and flexibility as well as you using them in a way to achieve your own personal goals. If you are looking for something that will burn calories then you can easily burn more than 1500 calories in an hour without causing any damaging impact against your joints.

Warning

Now that we have raved about them, there are a few important things to note prior to jumping on the band wagon:

• Know what you are doing. You may have already seen some kettlebells in your gym or in shops but be completely sure how to use them and avoid copying what you may see other doing. Get professional coaching. Try one of our classes and know that you are receiving top level coaching specific to your needs.
• Try to wear flat footwear or train barefoot. This ensures you get the most out of the movement and you have a good connection with the ground / surface that you are training upon.
• Use the correct weight and level of exercises. This depends on a few things including your goals, your current level, your posture and alignment. Getting the right weight is a balance between providing enough weight to load and stimulate the required muscle response and not selecting too much load.
• Despite the look of these tools, they are not about developing big muscles. This will only happen if you start eating a huge amount of carbohydrates and protein along with supplements whilst training specifically for size.

Done properly, kettlebells will give you incredible results in a matter of weeks, be it weight loss, toned physique or improved body movement. They are adaptable, dynamic and can be enjoyed by any age group and ability.