What is a Kettlebell?

A kettlebell workout might be just the change of pace you need to get your workout back on track!

About six years ago I stumbled across a funny looking piece of equipment called a kettlebell. Intrigued, and not quite sure what it was good for, I did some research. I discovered that kettlebells are used extensively by law enforcement and US military, and that kettlebell workouts have quickly gained a following among fitness buffs.

Kettlebells have been used in Russia for several hundred years by weight lifters. It's simply a round cast iron weight with a handle, and it's used for tradition weight lifting moves, such as curls, as well as "ballistic" moves, like kettlebell swings. Kettlebell workouts increase strength, endurance, agility and balance. They also challenge both the muscular and the cardiovascular system with dynamic, total-body movements. In other words, they'll kick your #%$!!

It's that combination of strength and power moves that gives kettlebell exercises such a great reputation - you're burning fat and calories and building muscle at the same time. You'll lean out if you're overweight, and you'll bulk up if you're skinny.

After reading some kettlebell articles, I decided to take a class with Andrea DuCane at Karate Junction in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I soon discovered just how challenging a kettlebell workout can be! Andrea wrote, produced and starred in "The Kettlebell Goddess Workout" kettlebell DVD and is featured in the "From Russia With Tough Love" kettlebell video and book.

Some popular kettlebell exercises include:

• Bent Press
• Double Kettlebell Military Press
• Kettlebell Clean
• Kettlebell Swing
• Side Press
• Kettlebell Snatches
• Turkish Get-Up
• Windmill

Kettlebells come in various sizes from 10 lbs. all the way up to 106 lbs. An adjustable kettlebell is also available. Check out www.russiankettlebells.com and www.uskettlebells.com for more information, kettlebells, and books and DVDs. If you're interested in becoming a kettlebell instructor, kettlebell certification is available from Dragon Door.

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