By Kelsey Casselbury
Skip the weight machines, the barbells, the dumbbells, and all that other equipment and build explosive strength with just one little piece of equipment: the kettlebell (note: It’s not kettle-ball!) You’ve probably seen kettlebells in your gym—they look kind of like a squished bowling ball with a handle on it, and they come in multiple sizes. It’s worth your while to pick up one or two of them for an at-home fitness session (Perk: They won’t break the budget in the slightest!)
Kettlebells give you what’s known as a “functional” workout—that is, it works your muscles in the same way as everyday activities do, such as carrying a child, hoisting a heavy bag of groceries, or moving a piece of furniture into a new space. While there are plenty of moves you can
brdo to tone your body with a kettlebell, just one dynamic move will work your whole body, from your shoulders to your calves: the kettlebell swing.
The Perfect Kettlebell Swing
Not only do kettlebell swings work your muscles, it also spikes your heart rate, making it count toward your cardio allowance, too. Just like other strength movements, it’s important to
bruse proper form during a kettlebell swing—without it, you’ll not only shrink the benefits of the movements, but put yourself at risk of injury, too.
Tip: Choose a ’bell that allows you to do 10 consecutive swings without compromising your form. If it’s too easy, go up a size. Can’t get through them? Start with a lighter weight.
Skip the weight machines, the barbells, the dumbbells, and all that other equipment and build explosive strength with just one little piece of equipment: the kettlebell (note: It’s not kettle-ball!) You’ve probably seen kettlebells in your gym—they look kind of like a squished bowling ball with a handle on it, and they come in multiple sizes. It’s worth your while to pick up one or two of them for an at-home fitness session (Perk: They won’t break the budget in the slightest!)
Kettlebells give you what’s known as a “functional” workout—that is, it works your muscles in the same way as everyday activities do, such as carrying a child, hoisting a heavy bag of groceries, or moving a piece of furniture into a new space. While there are plenty of moves you can
brdo to tone your body with a kettlebell, just one dynamic move will work your whole body, from your shoulders to your calves: the kettlebell swing.
The Perfect Kettlebell Swing
Not only do kettlebell swings work your muscles, it also spikes your heart rate, making it count toward your cardio allowance, too. Just like other strength movements, it’s important to
bruse proper form during a kettlebell swing—without it, you’ll not only shrink the benefits of the movements, but put yourself at risk of injury, too.
Tip: Choose a ’bell that allows you to do 10 consecutive swings without compromising your form. If it’s too easy, go up a size. Can’t get through them? Start with a lighter weight.
