5 Kettlebell Workout Benefits
Kettlebell workouts have a history dating back to the 19th century in Russia. They have become a staple in gyms all across the country because of the many benefits of kettlebell exercises. You can find these distinct pieces of equipment lining the weight racks of your gym or online for a stellar at-home workout. So, let’s swing into 5 kettlebell benefits now.
1 | Full-Body Workout
Because of the compact nature of kettlebell, and the unique feature of the handle, this equipment allows for a diverse range of kettlebell exercises. You can get a fantastic full-body workout routine by working out each muscle group. A kettlebell routine allows you to do squats, lunges, chest presses, core workouts, shoulder workouts, and more.
2 | Core Strength
A major benefit of kettlebell workouts is that these exercises require you to engage your core to maintain proper form throughout the movements. So, if you want to tighten up your obliques, tone your core, and gain better stability overall, kettlebell movements may be the best bet for you! Core strength alone offers benefits that will affect you for the rest of your life. With falls being one of the leading causes of death in the elderly, it is essential to keep your core strong and challenge your stability in your workout routines so that you can maintain your balance as you age.
3 | Aerobic Workout
Because of the dynamic movements you can do while holding the kettlebell, you can get an aerobic workout while you build strength as well. This is a benefit reasonably unique to the kettlebell and why so many people love this piece of equipment. Try a simple kettlebell workout for beginners like the kettlebell swing, track your heart rate, and feel yourself get into that aerobic zone.
4 | Fast Workouts
Because of the aerobic benefits, strength benefits, and full-body workout potential, you can get in a calorie-blasting workout in just a few minutes with a well-planned-out kettlebell workout. In 10 minutes, you will feel your heart rate go up, you will sweat, and kettlebells are the perfect training equipment for when you have a time crunch. Some research suggests that just 20-minutes of an intense kettlebell workout can burn 400 calories for some participants. So, if you are short on time and need a fierce calorie-burn, checking out kettlebell workout routines may be the ticket.
5 | Enhanced Range Of Motion
With movements like the kettlebell swing, windmills, and several other kettlebell exercises, you will be sure to enhance your range of motion and even work on stability. The kettlebell requires you to hinge at your hips, perform explosive movements, and engage multiple muscle groups at once, which makes this a powerhouse for an enhanced range of motion. Keep in mind, though, that form is incredibly important. Overextending your muscles can do more harm than good. So, take time to learn proper form, and allow yourself to go slow in the beginning.
Bonus Benefit | Utilizes Functional Movement
As a big bonus, the compact nature of the kettlebell allows for work on functional movements. Functional movements are literally the movements that help you to function in your day-to-day life. Exercises like squats (sitting and standing), lunges (walking and balance), swings (lifting and balance), arm presses (arm and chest strength), twists (back strength and range of motion), and more. All the movements you can use in your day-to-day life. By working on functional movements, you will strengthen the muscles that you need for balance and strength as you age.
Where To Try Kettlebell Workouts
You can find kettlebells in most gyms. They typically line free weight racks or can be found in the group exercise rooms. While it may be tempting to grab a heavy kettlebell and start swinging, we urge you to start small. Grab a light kettlebell and learn proper form. From there, you can build upon that workout, add more weight, and become more confident in your kettlebell workouts. To help you get started, we’ve put together kettlebell workouts for beginners that can help you along the way.
If you would like to take advantage of the benefits of kettlebell training, you can purchase kettlebells online to workout at home, or stop by any of the Chuze Fitness locations. We cannot wait to learn more about your health and wellness goals.