Not just a HIIT-workout accessory, kettlebells can be a great way to shake up your exercise regime
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(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
If you’ve ever stepped foot inside a gym, you’ll probably know what thebest kettlebellsare and you may have even used one before - especially if you’ve done a HIIT-style exercise class. You’ve definitely seen people doingkettlebell swingsif nothing else.
Still, you might not be fully aware of the true advantages of adding regularkettlebell workoutsinto your fitness regime, no matter how familiar you are with the gym accessory. There’s also a good portion of gym-goers that have never even touched a kettlebell, let alone know what to do with them.
For this reason, we’re covering the essentials of kettlebells, how they differ from traditional weight training and why it’s worth your time to begin kettlebell training today. We’ve enlisted the help of British Kettlebell Championships gold medalist andBio-Synergyambassador, Jamie Lloyd for his top 3 tips on getting started.
What exactly is a kettlebell?
The kettlebell is known as one of the best pieces of home gym equipment to make use of during resistance workouts as they can really shake up your exercise regime, blow away the cobwebs and help you get into great shape.
They consist of a cast iron weight with a flat bottom and a handle on the top. In terms of weight, they typically range from 2kg to 50kg, or for those in the US is 5 to 100 pounds. However, they come in many different casts, sizes and colours.
How is kettlebell training different from traditional dumbbell weight training?
The most obvious difference between a kettlebell and adumbbellis the shape of the weight. A dumbbell has weight evenly distributed on both ends with the grip in the centre. This allows the body to stabilise the weight through slow and controlled movements.
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Kettlebells aren’t necessarily better than dumbbells, but if you’re looking for fat loss, all-around strength and cardio, then go for kettlebells. This will depend on how you use them, of course, as well as your fitness goals.
Still, the kettlebell is far more versatile and allows you to do more fluid movements like snatches, swings and clean and jerks.
Top 3 reasons why you should start kettlebell training today
(Image credit: Bowflex)
(Image credit: Bowflex)
1. Getting a kettlebell is cheaper than gym membership
Kettlebells allow you to work many aspects of your body, so they’re almost like having a portable gym.
“They’re also portable and take up less space than traditional weights, so its like having a gym but a fraction of the price,” claims Lloyd. “And when starting out you just need one or two bells for an effective workout.”
2. Kettlebell training is perfect for improving core strength
According to Lloyd, the offset handle of the kettlebell forces you to work your core stabilser muscles far more than you would with a regular weight, as you’re having to work your centre of gravity more to lift the metal object.
“This means you wont need to do a seperate core workout or endless crunches as you will have a rock solid core just from your kettlebell training!”
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
3. Kettlebell workouts can shift fat, fast
When doing traditional weight training, we continue to burn calories for 4-6 hours post-workout, but when training with kettlebells we can burn them up to 24 hours after exercise. Although this does depend on how you strcture your workouts.
“Of course, you can use kettlebells like dumbbells for isolated strength movements, but the most calories are burnt when doing HIIT training with short rests in between bouts of exercise,” Lloyd explains.
“Bare in mind, more isn’t necessarily better. A well-designed kettlebell training program, like any other high-intensity workout, shouldn’t be done every day or take hours to complete.”
When done properly, kettlebell training can be a great way to tax the body and also build up work capacity in a short space of time to burn heaps of calories.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
This feature is part of T3’sGet Fit 2022campaign. We’ll be bringing you a wealth of guides, features, deals and news to help you get healthy, fit and ready for anything the new year can throw at you. Whether you’re a newcomer to fitness or someone with a passion for it, we’ll bring you all the best workouts, diet advice and gear to set you on the right track.
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