The benefits of training with kettlebells

Kettlebells are becoming increasingly popular for strength and conditioning training, and for good reason. Kettlebells are cast iron weights that typically range from 4-48 kg, though there are also adjustable kettlebells available. With their ‘handle’ design, kettlebells are designed to be swung, lifted, and manipulated during exercises, which helps to improve strength, coordination, and endurance. They can be used for a variety of different exercises, from traditional weights-based strength training to more dynamic and explosive exercises.

Not only are kettlebells incredibly versatile, but they also offer an array of benefits that make them an ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From improved strength and power to better mobility and stability, training with kettlebells can help you reach your fitness and health goals quickly and safely. This is why you now see sets of kettlebells in nearly every commercial gym.

Kettlebells – excellent for improving strength and power

Kettlebells are unique in that they allow for a wide range of exercises and movements, including multi-joint exercises that target multiple muscle groups simultaneously. The reason kettlebells help build explosive power is because many kettlebell routines involve snatch movements, making the training a little different to traditional weight training, working fast-twitch muscle fibres as well as building muscle.

Kettlebell training typically incorporates dynamic movements that require use of both your upper and lower body muscles. The explosive and dynamic training helps improve muscle coordination, efficiency and power.

Kettlebell exercises contribute to improved mobility and stability

Kettlebells are also great for improving mobility and stability. The exercises associated with kettlebells often require you to move your body in a very wide variety of ways as opposed to set ‘grooves’, which helps improve your range of motion and general flexibility. Improved mobility will help you perform everyday activities with greater ease, as well as reducing risk of injury.

Because of the balance and co-ordination required during kettlebell training, kettlebell exercises also help improve core stability and balance – especially the exercises performed standing on one leg! This helps reduce risk of falls and other injuries associated with poor balance. Kettlebells improve your body awareness, allowing you move with greater control and precision as you go about your daily life.

Kettlebell training enhances cardiovascular endurance

Kettlebell training is also great for cardiovascular endurance. Because kettlebell exercises are so dynamic, they get your heart rate going quickly and safely, like a proper cardio workout. Kettlebell training has been shown to improve VO2 max and other markers of cardiovascular endurance.

Unsurprisingly, given all the above, kettlebell training is a great way to burn calories. Kettlebell exercises involve a wide range of muscle groups – getting all these fat burning furnaces going all over your body, which increases your metabolic rate to zap those calories at a rapid rate. That’s why kettlebell training is so effective for burning bodyfat, making it an ideal choice for those looking to lose weight.

Kettlebells are ideal for a total body workout

Kettlebells are an excellent tool for a total body workout. Unlike machines, which target specific muscle groups, kettlebells require you to use multiple muscle groups at once. As previously mentioned, the involvement of many muscle groups at the same time during kettlebell workouts is excellent for all-round

, coordination, balance and muscular endurance. Because kettlebells are typically used to perform explosive exercises such as swings and snatches, they develop power and speed. These dynamic exercises mean kettlebells are a great choice for athletes who need to generate power quickly, such as sprinters, martial artists, boxers, wrestlers and so on.

Kettlebells are highly efficient

Kettlebells are an incredibly efficient way to train because they require minimal equipment and can be used for so many different exercises. They’re generally a lot easier to transport than traditional weights, especially the lighter ones, making them ideal for those on the move.

Kettlebells are perfect for high intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises

Kettlebell routines are ideal for those wanting to perform high intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises. Lots of kettlebell training involves alternating between different movements with minimal rest periods, bringing all the benefits of HIIT workouts. HIIT is a fantastic way to burn fat and improve overall cardiovascular health, as it turbo boosts metabolism and increases calorie burn.

The final verdict on kettlebell training

We at M&FH love kettlebell training. Kettlebells are a wonderfully versatile and effective tool for strength and conditioning training and much more besides. The hundreds of exercises possible with kettlebells mean the sky is really the limit, whether you’re looking to build muscle, improve your cardio fitness, burn some fat, do some HIIT, hone your balance, flexibility, stability… the list goes on. By incorporating kettlebells into your workout routine, you can supercharge your results. Give them a go!