Kettle Bells

Ahhh Kettle Bells. If you don't know what they are, Kettle Bells (usually made out of cast iron) are like dumbells with more versatility, and sex appeal. Most "globo-gyms" have them now, but since management doesn't know how to fit them in with all of their bells and whistles, the bells get stashed away in a corner somewhere to hide like the scar you only show people when you want to impress.

The design of kettlebells is such that they are extremely bottom heavy (due to the heavy ball of iron at the bottom of a "U shaped" handle. This design makes the bells perfect for swinging and generating momentum. The fact that the kettlebells are completely sodered and have no moving parts makes the durable for activities like throwing and dragging which you would never do with dumbells.

Trainers all over the place are beginning to use kettlebells to add some spice to their client's workouts. But are they right for you? Are they even right for said trainer's client? The type of movements that kettlebells create in the human body can be very aggressive and very dangerous, especially when done improperly. When done correctly, Kettlebells can be an extremely safe, and effective way to build muscular power and endurance. Especially in the core.

Kettlebells are meant to be used in rythmic fashion. As you go through the necessary repititions, you develop momentum. For a healthy back and healthy hips, this is perfectly safe. For someone with flexion intolerance however (pain when bending forward, a typical symptom of disc bulge or herniation), this is not a good thing and it should be avoided unless under proper supervision. If you think you are in good health, experimenting with kettlebells might be a fun way to vary your workout. I always tell my clients that gym memberships are accessories to fitness, not necessities. Give me body weight, resistance bands, and body weight straps and I can take you through a workout that will make your head spin and your fat melt. However, the addition of free weights in the form of dumbells and barbells can be helpful to the process. Kettlebells should be viewed the same way.

Remember, it takes years to sculpt the perfect body. No special technique or "state of the art" video is going to give you the overnight results we all wish were out there. Unfortunately though, it only takes one bad rep to really hurt yourself. Make sure before using exercise equipment you are not familiar with it to get the advice of someone who has some expertise in the area. You know what, even if you are familiar with the exercise equipment, ask someone anyway, maybe you will learn something new.

Until next time, eat food, move freely, and live well.