The Kettlebell

Have you heard of this very old fitness tool that is making new waves in the fitness world? A kettlebell is a hand weight that is shaped like a cannonball with a handle. While relatively new in its popularity in the U.S., it has been used in Russia for centuries.

The interest in the kettlebell has grown because of its effectiveness in toning the body. It is used to perform explosive moves that combine strength training, cardiovascular fitness and flexibility training. It provides a shorter workout, because you are exercising multiple parts of the body at once.

Besides the “buzz,” the other reason we know kettlebells are gaining in popularity is that you can purchase them at your local discount retailer. They come in different weights, starting at 5 pounds. Normally, you will only use one bell in a workout, so that is all you need to purchase to get started. If you haven’t decided if the kettlebell is for you, give the workout a try using a dumbbell held by one end.

Where can you learn about the kettlebell? You need a good instructor. This can be at a local gym, or through a good book or DVD. I recommend a DVD or live class, because you need to see how the instructor interacts with the kettlebell to learn proper form.

Currently, the library has “Power Body Kettlebell Boot Camp” a DVD by Angie Miller. Angie also includes a kettlebell section on her DVD “Give me 10! 10 Minute Workouts for a Total Body Tone Up!” We also have “The Kettlebell Goddess Workout” by Andrea DuCane. One book resource that is available is, “Kettlebells for Dummies” by Sarah Lurie.

At prevention.com you will be linked to several articles and videos that will help you get started. Don’t be afraid of this piece of equipment. It will do great things for you if you start slowly and receive good instruction.