Benefits of working with kettlebells
Exercises with these strength training machines have the following advantages:
- All muscles of the body are trained and strengthened (not just the arms, as many believe).
- Due to active muscle work, calories are burned, which leads to weight loss (but not muscle mass).
- The whole body becomes stronger, so the risk of injury decreases.
- With such training, a person has the opportunity to work both anaerobically and aerobically.
- All movements become clearer, and overall body mobility increases.
- Strength increases and health improves. The body tightens and takes on the correct shape.
- Efficiency increases, which becomes useful even in everyday life (it’s easier to lift heavy packages, lift a small child, etc.).
- Such exercises work most effectively to burn calories. Studies show that 20 calories are burned per minute of such exercise. Accordingly, in an hour - 1200, which cannot be achieved by any diet without harm to health.
- In just a few sessions a week you can achieve impressive results, which are sometimes difficult to achieve even in a month using other methods.
Home exercises with kettlebells - rules and recommendations
Kettlebell training can be done at home. Even a beginner will not have any particular difficulties. The exercise technique is simple and clear; there are no strict canons or methods. Everyone selects their own optimal program and load level depending on their physical fitness and personal preferences.
Before starting training, you need to take into account some rules and nuances of kettlebell lifting:
- the working weight is selected depending on the strength and type of exercise - women are recommended to use weights of 6–12 kg, men need heavier weights of 16–32 kg;
- Beginning bodybuilders should not start with heavy weights; a 16-kilogram weight is quite enough at the first stage;
- training should consist of several exercises for different muscle groups;
No one will argue that kettlebell lifting is popular
- each lesson begins with a warm-up to warm up the muscles - treadmill, exercise bike, gymnastics;
- training duration is no more than 40 minutes, the optimal option is 20–30 minutes a day, 3–5 times a week;
- intensity and loads must be increased gradually, constantly listening to your well-being;
- It is advisable to keep a training diary to monitor sports progress;
- clothes for training can be anything, but shoes should be flat for good support (it is better to train without shoes);
- a positive result is observed when alternating with other types of training.
Operating rules
There are the following rules for training with these manual exercise machines:
- You need to select the weight of the kettlebell correctly and not immediately take on the heaviest ones, thinking that you can handle them. In this case, unprepared muscles can become very sore and cannot withstand such a load.
- You need to choose your training location carefully. Of course, it's best to practice outside, because that's where you won't be afraid of dropping the weight on the floor and damaging something. But not everyone has this opportunity, so when working out at home or in the gym, you should always be careful not to damage yourself or the objects around you.
- You should not use mirrors, because they will constantly distract attention, which can lead to injury. There is no need to use gloves on your hands, since they will only reduce the pressure, which in turn will confuse and deceive the reaction of the muscles. The same applies to shoes with heels, which are the most dangerous.
- Do not exercise when you have no strength, health or mood, since training in this case will still not be effective. It is best to reschedule it for another day when you feel well.
- You need to schedule your training days and your goals that you want to achieve through training in advance. This way, you will have a certain plan of action and lines for which you need to lose excess weight, which will motivate you to take action.
- In the breaks between classes, you don’t need to sit still, otherwise you’ll just relax and by the second approach you won’t have the strength. It is best to do lighter exercise or just walk during this time.
- It is necessary for the body to recover between days of training. This means that during this period you need to get a good night’s sleep, avoid stress and anxiety, and do not drink alcohol. In addition, you should eat well so that you have the strength to train.
The effect of training with a kettlebell
Kettlebells are a fairly simple sports equipment known to everyone. Used primarily by men in strength sports. In fact, it is universal and its capabilities are very extensive. Women can freely use weights when doing fitness at home or in the gym. The variety of exercises is suitable for both a physically unprepared beginner and an experienced athlete.
A weight is a projectile with a displaced center of gravity. The main weight is concentrated in the lower part, with the handle located on top. This distinguishes it from barbells and dumbbells, but is not a disadvantage. Thanks to this design feature, almost the entire body is involved in the work, rather than individual muscle groups. The possibility of rotational movements and control of inertial force contributes to this.
The kettlebell is an excellent sports equipment for training strength at home.
Sports activities with weights are highly effective for several reasons:
- not only the arms work, as it may seem, but also the buttocks, back, hips, shoulders, and abs;
- develops strength, builds muscle mass, burns fat;
- small and large muscles are involved simultaneously, not working in isolation;
- a simple, affordable, compact projectile that can be hidden anywhere and cannot be broken;
- training is carried out in any convenient place and at any time;
- groups of exercises with weights are easy and understandable, do not require complex techniques or special physical training;
- kettlebell lifting is one of the safest sports, the risk of injury is minimal;
- the functioning of the central nervous system, musculoskeletal system, metabolism and metabolism improves;
- suitable for women and men of any age;
- time is saved - one lesson lasts from 15 to 40 minutes.
Training with kettlebells effectively develops functional strength and tones the entire body. The result is a toned and strong body without much effort.
This sports equipment is great for training at home
Kettlebell training can be done at home. Even a beginner will not have any particular difficulties. The exercise technique is simple and clear; there are no strict canons or methods. Everyone selects their own optimal program and load level depending on their physical fitness and personal preferences.
Weight loss program
For classes you should prepare:
- Magnesia. It is needed to prevent excess sweating from the palms, which will additionally protect the person from the weights slipping out of their hands. In addition, magnesium will protect your palms from abrasions and abrasions. It can be purchased at any sports store. Its price is not very high.
- Suitable clothing that will not interfere with training. It should be free and comfortable.
- Water. You should always have it on hand during training, since during physical activity the body loses a lot of fluid, which needs to be replenished all the time. As a rule, you need to exercise three to five times a week. If you additionally have other physical activities, then two classes per week will be enough. The training duration should be from half an hour (for beginners) to one hour. This will be quite enough for normal muscle function and weight loss.
An effective weight loss program should include all the most basic forms of exercise using weighted machines.
They have the following names: “mill”, “swing”, “squats”, “deadlift” and others.
Preparing for classes should absolutely always begin with a warm-up, since it is one of the most important parts of the entire workout. Warming up adjusts the muscles to work, promotes a rush of blood to them, which serves to prevent injuries during exercise and helps to achieve greater results from training.
It is best to use jumping rope, running or gymnastics as warm-up exercises.
The most effective exercises with a kettlebell are:
"Rotation". It is very simple and is more of a warm-up character. This is done in the following sequence:
- stand up straight and make sure there is free space around you;
- straighten your back, place your feet shoulder-width apart;
- take the weight with both hands and begin to rotate it along its axis (it should not be higher than the waist);
- rotate it first in one direction, then in the other.
Repeat five times in each direction, then take a break and repeat again.
"Bent-over row." Done this way:
- put the weight in your left hand;
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and bend your knees slightly;
- tilt your back slightly forward (but do not slouch);
- pull the weight to your side, then return it to its original position;
- do the same with the other hand.
Repeat ten times with each hand.
"Squats":
- place a weight between your legs;
- straighten your back and bend your legs slightly at the knees;
- Without tilting, take the weight with both hands;
- stand with her, while still keeping your back straight;
- then slowly lower the weight back.
Repeat fifteen times.
Swing" or "Swing" exercise:
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the weight with both hands;
- slowly sit down with it, moving your knees to the sides;
- carry the weight between your legs, gradually lowering it down;
- after that, stand up and at the same time raise the weight to shoulder level.
Perform the exercise in two sets of ten times.
Exercise "Mill":
- stand straight, place your feet shoulder-width apart;
- lift the weight above you and hold it on your straight arm;
- without lowering it, reach with the other hand to the opposite leg;
- then return to the starting position and repeat all over again, only this time holding the weight in the other hand.
Repeat five times with each hand, taking short breaks.
Kettlebell exercises for beginners
You should not start training immediately with complex exercises. This way you can overload your muscles, undermine your health or get injured, while getting zero results. You need to enter kettlebell training gradually, studying various exercises and the body’s reaction to them. The optimal starting weight for women is 6–8 kg, for men – 16 kg.
A basic program for a beginner may include the following set of exercises with a kettlebell:
- Jerk. We stand straight, place our feet shoulder-width apart, straighten our back. We bend down and take the weight with one hand, with a smooth but sharp movement we lift it to chest level, then push it out. We carefully lower the projectile onto the floor. We use our hands alternately.
- Bent over row. In a standing position, bend your knees slightly, lean forward, your pelvis is pushed back, your back remains straight. We take the weight in our hand and pull it towards ourselves, bending our elbow. Pull up as you exhale, lower as you inhale. Only the shoulders and elbows move; the rest of the body remains motionless. You can lift two weights at once or hold one weight with both hands.
- Mill. We take a weight in one hand and stand straight, squeeze it with a jerk, and fixate in this position. Next, we smoothly bend in the opposite direction so as to touch the foot. Slowly return to the starting position. We hold the projectile at arm's length all the time. We change hands after 5 approaches.
Having learned how to perform these basic exercises, you can move on to strengthening your arm muscles. Several simple exercise options have been developed for this purpose.
- Stand in a standard position, lift the kettlebell at arm's length. Place your other hand on your waist. Raise and lower the apparatus to shoulder level, while keeping your elbow static. Movements occur exclusively along a vertical trajectory.
- Hold weights with light weights in two hands, palms facing outward. Raise the weights towards your shoulders and lower them on either side of your body. During the exercise, only the forearms move.
- Sit on a chair, straighten your back, spread your legs a little. Place one hand on your side, take a weight with the other and place it on your knee. Make bending movements as in the previous exercise.
- Stand next to the back of a chair, bend over slightly and rest your hand on it. Raise the other hand with the weight and lower it along the body, in a vertical straight line.
Important point
You should know that such exercises are quite traumatic, so you need to do them very carefully. Also, they have the following contraindications:
- Pregnancy.
- Heart diseases.
- Disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- Periods after fractures and surgical interventions, when not yet a year has passed since (it is better not to risk your health and fully recover before such stress).
- Haemorrhoids.
- Rachiocampsis.
Losing weight with woman's kettlebell
Some ladies mistakenly consider the kettlebell to be a man's equipment and ignore such a valuable and powerful tool for losing weight and sculpting the body. If you seriously train with weights, do regular exercises and eat right, then there will be obvious positive changes in the shoulder girdle, the core muscles will tighten and strengthen, the legs will take on a sporty appearance, and beautiful buttock muscles will appear.
For girls, circular transfer of a kettlebell around the body, bent-over kettlebell row, deadlift exercise, figure eight exercise, Turkish lifts of a kettlebell from a lying position, mill, squats and swings are great. In the illustration below there are several more options for good women's exercises.
photo of exercises with kettlebells for women's weight loss
Blitz tips
- For safe training, you need to have not only good physical fitness, but also clear coordination so as not to lose your balance;
- If this is your first time training with this device, then it is advisable to be under the supervision of a trainer who can insure you in time and explain the rules of working with a kettlebell;
- You should not do such training every day, since the muscles need rest and time to recover;
- You should know that for exercise you need to select special sports shoes with flat soles (sneakers are best), since ordinary shock-absorbing running shoes will be uncomfortable here. In addition, the best option is to train without shoes at all, since in this position you will be able to feel the floor and stand firmly on it, maintaining your balance.
The benefits of exercising with kettlebells
Working with a weight has its own specifics. The peculiarity is that in the case of barbells and heavy dumbbells, the center of gravity is in the middle. When working with a kettlebell, the projectile floats because we hold on to the handle, and the center of gravity is concentrated at the bottom of the kettlebell. Such slow rotations of the apparatus are impossible with dumbbell deadlifts.
Weight lifters have to lift the weight, and at the same time balance the inertia through the work of the whole body. This means that we do not work with a separate muscle group - the arms, but include more necessary zones. For women, buttocks, thighs, and abdomen are often problematic. All these zones work actively when exercising with weights.
Kettlebells are used in CrossFit. As part of swing training, squats, swings of kettlebells between the legs, and pushes to the chest are performed. You should not position the kettlebell as a man's apparatus. It is suitable for everyone who wants to become stronger, more resilient and have a sculpted figure.
Quick results and a comprehensive effect on the body are why many people like kettlebells; the benefits of the equipment are obvious. Kettlebell training is short, but always effective. During strength training, fat is actively burned. In the best case, you will be able to burn 250 kcal within 20 minutes of working with a weight. And in an hour you can burn up to 700 kcal.
push of two weights - execution technique