I have recently discovered Kettlebells. Kettlebells are lumps of iron and are often considered to be for “strong men” and bodybuilders. But, they are possibly one of the best workouts for women. Why? Well, before we get to that, lets take a look at the Kettlebell.
Kettlebells are a traditional weight training tool from Russia. They look like a cannonball with a handle, are usually cast-iron black and are not the normal piece of sexy fitness equipment.
Kettlebells used to start at 1 pood (a Russian unit of weight equal to about 16kg, or 35 pounds) but today they are made in many sizes, starting from as little as 4 pounds. Generally women start with a 6 pound kettlebell in a cardio-strength class.
Kettlebells – For Toning, Strength and Fitness
With many fitness classes you have to ask yourself if you want a cardio workout or a strength workout. Kettlebells eliminate this dilemma as a good kettlebell class provides both cardiovascular fitness as well as core strength training.
The basic kettlebell exercise is a the kettlebell two hand swing. This exercise works the glutes and thighs, so tones the bum and thigh muscles very well. The swinging action means that the upper body is not over worked, so there is no need to worry about developing bulky arms or shoulders. All the power for the movement comes from the hips and glutes and the core muscles provide stability.
Many kettlebell classes are performed as a circuit, with a series of kettlebell exercises often interspersed with some bodyweight exercises and cardio drills, such as push ups, star jumps, squat thrusts and jogging. Stretching is also important at the end of a kettlebell workout.
If you cannot get to a class then there are some good online courses that you can do, such as the Kettlebelle Body Workout that is designed for women.
Basically kettlebell exercises work the parts of the body that all women want to tone – the thighs, buttocks, hips and waist. What makes them such a good workout is that you can progress in a class by using larger and heavier kettlebells, while still doing the same exercises.
Small women that are new to kettlebell workouts can exercise with stronger athletic women and strong guys too. Everyone does the same exercises, you just use different sized kettlebells.
So find a class, or grab an online course, and get swinging. To get an idea of the fun you can have, watch this kettlebell video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy5uU7ku-Lo
Time to get fit and toned with a Kettlebelle Body Workout!
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