Kettlebell Training Guide — How to Get Fit, Russian Style
Russian kettlebells are nothing new inventions. To tell you the truth, they’ve been around since the first half of the eighteenth century. Over the course of the last few years, though, they’ve gained in recognition to become one of the most fashionable fitness routines on the planet.
All you need are the kettlebells themselves and you can begin with these straightforward exercise routines. We wouldn’t advise leaping directly into the trickier routines, however. So, always walk before you run, as they say. Whatever else you do, with Russian kettlebells as with any weight work, you must take care that you select the correct weight for your body. You need less weight than you might assume when you use kettlebells for your exercise. For female beginners, an eighteen lb kettlebell can easily be more than required as you begin, and meanwhile male aficionados should opt for the 35lb. The reason for this is that the advantage of this type of exercise actually comes from motion rather than from how much weight is employed. An instructional aid — along the lines of a brochure or DVD — is a helpful buy at the beginning, making sure that you’ve got the techniques the way they’re meant to be.
When you begin, before you attempt any of the other kettlebell exercises you have to master the two-handed swing. It sounds simpler than it is, but it is the centerpoint of most more advanced exercises. No matter what your exercises must be fluent, taking care not to be sudden. Pick up the weights with your hips, not with your back or shoulders, to guarantee your physical comfort through your workout.
By the time you’ve got all of that, you’ll be able to move on; you’ll have learned enough to try advanced exercises. Bring different reps and sets into your preferred exercise regime, and change it up by accompanying it with an assortment of music to ensure it all stays entertaining. Once you’re used to it, as your comfort level develops, you could modulate the weights and perhaps even introduce another set. You don’t want your routine to become less effective, and these suggestions can help you prevent the problem.
One thing we should make clear while we are at it is that kettlebells aren’t going to help you develop your muscle mass or play a role in body building. Instead, call upon them for weight reduction and, also, for general fitness advances and cultivation over time.
Lastly, integrate a session working with the kettlebells into a broader exercise scheme. Don’t forget that you can choose how often to take advantage of the exercises. Looking to maintain your weight? A mere two sessions will be enough. Alternatively, you can ramp up the intensity, work out five or six times each week and ditch that fat.