If you’ve spent any time in a gym, chances are you’ve run across a kettlebell at least once.
Running across a kettlebell is one thing – picking it up and using it within your routine is something totally different.
This is a kettlebell:
It is said that kettlebells originated in Russia approximately 350 years ago.
Originally, kettlebells were used as counterweights to weigh dry goods on market scales.
Overtime, kettlebells made the transition from being used as counterweights to being thrown around for entertainment (what a way to be entertained!) and ultimately utilized for weight lifting.
In terms of working out with kettlebells, kettlebells are used in a variety of settings ranging from general fitness to being the National Sport of Russia.
Without further delay, here are 5 reasons why you need to be using kettlebells during your workouts.
#1 Kettlebells Improve/Correct Movement Patterns
No matter if you’re new to working out or a seasoned vet in the gym, proper form and technique is always at the forefront before increasing other factors such as weight or intensity.
Let’s focus on deadlifting in this instance.
Common movement faults that occur while deadlifting tend be the upper back rounding, hips are too high at the start of the movement, or the knees caving in while standing up to name a few.
Based on the design of the kettlebell, it is a great learning tool for a beginner to ensure their technique is correct as well as a more experienced weight lifter who may need to clean up certain parts of their technique.
#2 Kettlebells Improve Mobility, Flexibility And Range of Motion
The effectiveness of any exercise in large part depends on how well our joints move.
In other words, if you’re not performing a movement correctly, it’s probably due to lack of mobility/flexibility of a joint.
The way the kettlebell is crafted allows for it to be used in a variety of ways.
An individual experiencing limited range of motion while trying to raise their arm from their side to a complete overhead position would benefit from performing exercises such as a conventional single-arm kettlebell swing or a suitcase kettlebell swing.
The weight of kettlebell when swung will naturally increase range of motion restoring the shoulder back to its normal state over time.
#3 Kettlebells Are Great For Rehab Ans Treatment of Injuries
Injury prevention should always be priority, but injuries do occur whether it happens during exercise or from a non-exercise related injury.
Regardless of the setting in which the injury occurred, proper rehab and treatment of injuries is a must.
For example, it is common for swimmers to experience injuries in the shoulder from overuse – specifically the rotator cuff.
At this point, increasing the amount of joint stability and strength in the rotator cuff is a must.
A kettlebell exercise called a kettlebell bottoms up is one in which the base of the kettlebell is pointing up while holding onto the handle and performing an overhead press at the same time.
Based on the weight distribution of the kettlebell, it forces the joint to stabilize while pressing overhead and increases the strength of the joint at the same time.
#4 Kettlebells Increase Functional Strength
Functional strength can be described as strength needed to perform the activities of daily life.
Opening a door, picking up a box from the floor, going up and down stairs, working on cars, or even doing a little spring cleaning around the home – these activities represent functional movements.
Kettlebells allow you to push, press, pull, squat, bend, and twist.
All 6 of the previous movements mentioned are at the foundation for developing functional strength.
#5 Versatility to Perform Multiple Variations of Same Exercise
The physical makeup of the kettlebell allows for multiple variations of an exercise to be performed.
This aspect is beneficial if you’re lacking the necessary strength or mobility to perform exercises with more advanced pieces of equipment.
An exercise such as barbell front squats requires adequate shoulder, back, and core strength, as well as adequate wrist mobility to be able to perform without compensation.
In cases where these areas are not up to par, being able to replace barbell front squats with kettlebell front squats will still develop strength in the shoulders, back, and core until it’s appropriate to make the transition to barbells.
Kettlebells have numerous benefits in helping you achieve your ideal fitness goals of losing body fat, increasing muscle, or improving overall performance.
These 5 reasons of why you should be using kettlebells during your workouts will help you do just that.