Kettlebells are shaped like a bowling ball with a thick suitcase-like handle. They range in weight from 4kg (9lbs) to 48kg (105lbs). Kettlebells are quickly becoming the strength tool of choice for athletes, coaches, and trainers. Kettlebells fill the gaps and complement traditional weight training, but radically deviate from the norm when it comes to the beliefs of many ‘bodybuilding’ schools of thought. Kettlebells address many components of strength and conditioning where other methods fall short.
Here is an extended list of the numerous benefits of kettlebells.

Kettlebells focus on movement not muscle. Kettlebells are a mix of ‘ballistics’ and ‘grinds’. Ballistic movements teach the body to control a weight that is in motion which directly translates to sports. Grinds teach the body about overall tension.

Kettlebells combine many protocols of training simultaneously.

Core strength—all kettlebell movements teach the body to stabilize the core because almost all movements are done free-standing.

Strength—kettlebell training develops strength in ALL planes of movement. We live and play in a three-dimensional world therefore we should train in that manner.

Flexibility/Mobility—kettlebell training promotes the body to ‘open’ up due the nature of multi-planer movement.

Balance—kettlebell training is off-centered and focused. This calls for extreme attention to balance as the weight travels through the air.

Coordination—kettlebell training teaches ‘connection’ of your upper and lower body. This element provides athletes a superior edge in their training protocol due to greater body rhythm.

Acceleration/Deceleration—most training protocols address acceleration but not deceleration which is why most athletes get injured in a ‘deceleration’ mode. Kettlebell training addresses both acceleration and deceleration, therefore enhancing athletic performance.

Load/Explode—kettlebell training offers a different type of loading that allows the athlete to combine all of the above elements and teach the body to be strong and resilient in ‘compromised’ positions.

Resilience to Injury—kettlebell training offers complete development in all planes of movement, therefore preventing more injuries.

Cardio—kettlebell training, especially ballistic exercises, will enhance cardiovascular training. The conditioning aspect will also help to develop better weight management.

As you can see, kettlebells offer a host of benefits that will simultaneously challenge and enhance any athlete’s training program. Try kettlebells today…if you don’t your competition will! Be careful though, you might get ADDICTED!

About the Authors:

Amber Dornfeld is a certified Russian Kettlebell instructor, Equine trainer and Nutrition specialist based in Woodbury, Minnesota. Amber has traveled the world expanding her knowledge and education providing her with extensive life experiences that create a solid foundation from which to draw. Amber is dedicated to mentoring men, women, and children on the importance of ‘lifestyle’ habits in the areas of nutrition, health and fitness, and strength and conditioning. To learn more about how and why you can make the lifestyle changes you desire, visit her website at www.mtxeconditioning.com or contact amberdornfeld76@hotmail.com.