In spite of the assumptions we’ve heard recently, kettlebells aren’t a modern invention. Estimates backed by sports scholars date the instrument as having originated approximately three centuries ago. But over the past few years kettlebells have skyrocketed to planet wide fame, though, and by today they are as popular as any other fitness aid. Kettlebell exercises are easy, simple, don’t require much in the way of unusual gear, and there’s no barrier to starting out. You can’t just jump right into the advanced routines, though. Don’t start running before you can walk, as your grandpa might say. Most importantly, with Russian kettlebells as with all weight training, you should be certain you pick out the correct weight for your workout. You need lighter weights than you’d predict when kettlebells are your chosen form of exercise. To provide guidelines by gender, the 18lb variety is usually perfect for women just beginning, while men beginning are likely to do best with a thirty-five lb weight. In actual fact, the weights are remarkably light — you see, in these exercises, all that counts is the movement as opposed to how much weight is being used. Knowing you’ve got your techniques right is key, so buy an instructional brochure or DVD to help you.
The double-handed swing should be the first exercise to learn on first taking up the kettleball. As the foundation stone of more advanced routines, this should be learned in the early going — and it looks easier than it is. You should ideally sweep fluidly, avoiding harsh stops or jerks. Always make sure your lift doesn’t come from back and shoulders: lift with your hips.
Once you have this technique perfected, you’ll be in a position to learn a few of the more developed movements. In order to retain your motivation, diversity is key — you could perhaps vary your backing tunes, rotate exercises in and out of the fitness program, etc. Perhaps another pair can be factored in once you’re comfortable, and to punch your routine up thoroughly you might perhaps even vary the weight of the kettlebells you use. Of course, you won’t want your regime to lose its effect, and these pointers help to circumvent that. Something we really ought to state clearly is that the kettlebells won’t help you build muscle or aid in bodybuilding. Let’s bear in mind that the Russian kettlebell routines were designed only to upgrade your all-round fitness level and promote weight loss. A general keep fit program will benefit from the inclusion of a session using the kettlebells. Clearly, the amount you use these exercises is your choice. Hoping to sustain your current weight? Two routines will do fine. Alternatively you can ratchet up your energy, have five or six sessions per week and shed that excess…