Whether or not you’ve given kettlebell training a go, you’re probably aware of their growing influence in the fitness world. Lauded by celebrities and fitness gurus across the globe for their total body training benefits, there’s no denying that this pretty cool looking fitness tool is becoming an indispensable piece of strength training equipment. Guide to Kettlebells We’ve said they look pretty cool, but there’s no doubt that they could look somewhat intimidating if you’ve not used them before, or are completely new to strength training. However, here at FS, we love a kettlebell workout, and we urge you not to let their strange looks put you off. A pretty unique piece of kit, kettlebells merge cardio and resistance training, providing results in half the time of a normal workout. So, here’s our guide to one of the most effective total body strength training tools on the market. You can thank us later…
What exactly are kettlebells?
Kettlebells first appeared in Russia in the 1700s, where they were initially used to measure dry goods. It wasn’t long before weightlifters and the military discovered their strength-training potential and incorporated them into their training. They later made their way to the USA and then Australia, where they began to be used for fitness and then finally made their way to the UK and across the world in the ‘90s. Kettlebells have a unique design. They consist of a bell, which is a round, cannon-ball shaped weight, and a handle which connects to the bell by sloping downwards at each end, referred to as the “horns”. A kettlebell’s centre of mass is displaced from the handle, which means that the weight constantly pulls against your hand and requires strength, coordination and the use of multiple muscle groups to perform exercises. Most moves are performed by holding the handle – the traditional kettlebell swing for example – but there are also exercises – such as squats – where you’ll hold the horns, or even the bell itself.
What are kettlebells good for?
1. Full body workouts – with exercises to work every muscle group, you can get a total body workout from kettlebells alone. 2. Combining cardio and strength – merging these two important aspects of exercise, you get stronger and fitter simultaneously, therefore achieving better results in less time. 3. Sculpting a lean physique – strength, endurance and flexibility are the key words with kettlebell training. This makes them great for sculpting that lean, toned physique, rather than big bulk. 4. Improving core stability – kettlebell training engages your entire core (obliques, abs, back muscles). 5. Training versatility – kettlebells can be used simply for strength training, or can be incorporated into Circuit or HIIT routines.
Why are they a good option over other weights?
Not only are they incredibly space-efficient, but they are also cost-effective. You can either purchase a set of various weights, or you can purchase them one by one, slowly increasing your kettlebell collection over time.
What exercises can I do with a kettlebell?
Being a total-body exercise tool, the list is endless, but a few key kettlebell exercises include the traditional kettlebell swing, sumo squats, Russian kettlebell swings, goblet squats, kettlebell rows and kettlebell lunge presses. A quick online search and you will find hundreds of kettlebell exercises waiting to be put to the test. With kettlebell training, you need never be short of ideas!
What types of kettlebells are there?
At Fitness Superstore, our kettlebells come in a range of sizes and designs, starting from 2kg and going right up to a weighty 40kg! Choose from fixed weight iron kettlebells or opt for vinyl, vinyl covered iron kettlebells or  neoprene covered kettlebells for added comfort. If you have a browse of our full kettlebells range, you may spy our competition kettlebells. These are used for those taking part in competitions (yep, kettlebell training is THAT popular now!) and sport the same dimensions, no matter what the weight is. This means that the kettlebell rests on the forearm in the same place, whatever the weight. Our kettlebells offer similar results, it’s simply down to your personal preference in terms of durability, looks and noise reduction requirements. If you’ve kept your distance from kettlebells up till now, we hope this guide has encouraged you to give them a go. You’ve got nothing to lose! If you’re still unsure on which kettlebell is for you, don’t forget that you can pop into any one of our 11 UK stores to have a look and get advice before you buy.