Category Kettlebells

The Kettlebell swing is the Elvis Presley of the fitness world. This is because in the same way that Elvis is known as the King of Rock ‘n Roll, the Kettlebell swing is known for being the King of Exercises.

How’s that for cool?

Anyway, doesn’t that phrase just make you smile? “Kettlebell Swing” – sounds like a hot, retro kind of dance, doesn’t it? (Can’t stop thinking about Elvis shaking his pelvis, huh?)

A Special Victory Dance

But enough of the King of Rock ‘n Roll for a moment, and let’s focus on the King of Exercises. If you’re the creative, imaginative type, and you were to think that Kettlebell swings are like a special kind of victory dance, you’d sort of have a good point going.

Only, instead of you and your legs going backwards and forwards, or even sideways like some crazy crab on the dance floor, what you do when swinging a Kettlebell is mostly stay in place, and do your moves energetically while in that same place.

You let your arm or arms (depending on what kind of swing exercise you’re doing) do the energetic movements, but there’s no real pressure on your arms, just like in dancing (unless, of course, you were to do hip-hop-type handstands).

Your feet, especially your heels, would support your weight. Your hamstrings or the backs of your thighs would feel the pressure, contracting and expanding as you squatted or stood. And, you’d also let your hips move forward and backward.

Kettlebell Swings From the Feet Up

Anyway, moving in those ways makes it possible for the engagement of numerous muscles in your body from your feet up to your shoulders. The reason that a basic Kettlebell swing resembles a victory gesture is that the raising of your arm much like what is done by a person who just won a competition is a main feature of the exercise.

There is no leaping or fast leg movements involved, but the effect on your cardiovascular system with all the squatting, standing, arm raising, and hip thrusting is such that after a few repetitions, you could feel that you had just finished a grueling one hour run.

Clearly, Elvis had the right idea when he kept gyrating his hips and raising his arms while performing.

Firm and Strong Butts From Kettlebell Swings

Kettlebell swings are popular because the movements are very simple, and you always have a choice about how much weight you want to swing. More than those considerations, however, are the facts that Kettlebell swings that are correctly performed can really increase the definition of your butt.

Now, why is this important? The butt is at the back, and that being the case, people you approach won’t see it right off, anyway. In other words, you don’t need a well toned butt to make a good impression. Wrong or right?

Wrong.

The fact is, you need a shapely behind to make people think that you know how to take care of yourself, that you value your body, and that you most likely spend time working out, which is good, because you clearly live a healthy lifestyle.

Why would they think all of that just from looking at your butt? It’s because the buttocks are one of the hardest parts of the body to sculpt, and the reason for that is, there is too much fat surrounding the muscles of your buttocks.

So, does this mean that doing a Kettlebell swing can make your butt look leaner and firmer? Yes! That’s exactly one of the great things that Kettlebell swings can do for you – give you a beautiful butt!

Remember, each Kettlebell exercise is a fat blaster. The fat on your butt isn’t immune to such blasting. How many other forms of exercise can deliver on that promise? Bet you’ll have a hard time coming up with an answer, and that’s because Kettlebell swings are the best butt-developing exercises ever, bar none.

Bodybuilding Hip Thrusting Power

It’s the hip thrusting that does it. When you thrust your hip forward while doing the exercise, your buttocks also tighten, firming up your precious gluteus maximus. And while you do that, your posture is also improved, because you cannot afford to slouch or have a rounded back while you’re doing a swing.

Otherwise, your back will hurt, and you run the risk of having an injury. As for your abs, they also tighten when you squat, which helps greatly in sculpting them.

So – great butt, great posture, great abs… aren’t Kettlebells just great?

Kinds of Kettlebell Swings

At this point, we need to clear up an important misconception. See, there are numerous kinds or variations of Kettlebell swings. These are the most popular:

• One-arm or one-hand swing
• Two-arms or two-hands swing
• Alternating arms swing – this involves transferring the Kettlebell from one hand/arm to the other while the Kettlebell is in motion or swinging through the air
• Stalling or pausing-at-the-top swing
• Sideways swing
• Pivoting swing

Now, online, the available information could confuse you, because there are some exercise sites that mistakenly identify and show a Kettlebell snatch as being the same as a Kettlebell swing.

That’s probably because aside from the original swing, also known as the Russian swing, which raises the Kettlebell only up to the shoulders, there’s another version known as the American swing, which raises the Kettlebell over the head.

The American swing can look a lot like a Kettlebell snatch, especially to those who are new to using Kettlebells, so, it’s understandable if some confusion ensues. Still, you shouldn’t let such misleading information take away your interest and enthusiasm about working out with Kettlebells.

What’s important to know is that you don’t have to worry about being misled, because you’re in good hands. More detailed instructions about doing a Kettlebell swing and other Kettlebell exercises can be found in the 22 Kettlebell videos you get (like the demo above) when subscribing to the My Fitness Nut Newsletter at the top of MyFitnessNut.com.

Just keep in mind that Kettlebell swings are basic exercises. On the other hand, Kettlebell snatches are more advanced. Let’s move on to the next section that we’ve titled “The Kettlebell Snatch: Explosive Power in One Go” and find out what snatches are all about.

Iron Man Suit or a Kettlebell Workout Routine?

Robert Downey, Jr. sure makes it look easy. And no, this is not about the way he hopped back into the limelight and resumed being a much admired Hollywood actor after nearly wrecking his career and personal life. Some guys have all the luck, as Rod Stewart sang, but that’s neither here or there, as far as this article is concerned.

Actually, what we’re talking about is part of the way that Robert Downey, Jr. portrays Iron Man, especially the way he makes wearing that suit or armor look like he’s wearing air, meaning, it just looks so light to wear… even if it isn’t.

Sure, it’s not really a technologically-advanced suit of ultra high carbon iron and steel hybrid alloy that he wore in the Iron Man movies; it’s just a movie costume, after all. But suspend your disbelief for a while and imagine a real guy with the same height and build of RDJ moving around in a real cumbersome suit of armor. Never mind if it’s got high technology powering it, it’s still an iron and steel hybrid alloy suit, just the same.

Now, imagine yourself geared up in Iron Man’s suit. And, imagine yourself wearing that same armor for a few hours. Would you enjoy it? Or would you end up complaining that it’s just too much of an imposition, it’s dang heavy, and you’re not some superhero?

Yeah, we thought so too.

So, when you start your Kettlebell workout routines, and you find the going challenging, just think of Iron Man and his suit of armor and be glad that you’ve got your Kettlebell routines instead of that costume.

Swinging Kettlebells, doing a Kettlebell squat, a Kettlebell press, or just about anything connected with exercising using that fitness equipment made out of iron or steel has got to be way more manageable and enjoyable than clanking your way through life wearing a suit of armor.

In other words, while you need to condition your mind so that you’ll be prepared to be challenged by Kettlebell routines, you also need to remember that those workout routines can be fun and totally engaging!

Tips to Have a Fulfilling Kettlebell Workout

Are you the sedentary type who just got it into your head that Kettlebell workout routines would be nice to do because your friends are all talking about it, and you’d best try it out too so that you won’t feel out of place when they swap stories about how they’re “kettlebelling” their way to being mean and lean?

Are you a weekend warrior who knows something about exercise, and why it’s good for you, and why you should exercise more aside from the weekend jogs you do, if you could only find more time or motivation to do so?

Are you a total newbie to working out? Does the mere mention of the words and phrases “metabolism,” “muscles,” “moving properly,” and “minding your technique and form” make you gulp out of nervousness?

Wherever you may be on the fitness scale right now, you can have a fulfilling time doing Kettlebell routines. Just make sure that 1) you have a clean bill of health before exercising with Kettlebells, and 2) you keep the following tips in mind:

Kettlebell workout routines require your full attention. When you exercise with Kettlebells, you cannot just rely on movements done by rote.

When you use a treadmill, you can continue moving even as your attention is on what’s showing on your TV. There are even some people who are able to read a newspaper or magazine while on the treadmill (depending on the speed and incline being used, of course).

On the other hand, if your attention is diverted when you are using Kettlebells during a workout, you run the risk of getting injured.

Kettlebell routines are not only for cardiovascular strengthening and for developing endurance through building muscles; they are also meant to improve balance, flexibility, and mobility.

As such, you always need to make sure that your form and technique do not place you at a disadvantage while training. This means you must pay attention to positioning your hip properly, as well as maintaining your balance.

Be Clear on Your Reasons for Doing Kettlebell Workouts

Get it clear in your mind what your goal is for using a Kettlebell. Sure, the general goals are fitness, and health and wellness. But what about your own specific and primary reasons?

Review some of the possible reasons, as given below. Keep in mind that these may not be the only reasons for you wanting to go on a Kettlebell workout. The thing is, when you know what your specific or primary reason is, then it is easier to determine which routines would be best to use, in order of your goals.

• Do you want to lose fat?
• Do you want to develop cardio endurance?
• Do you want to improve your balance?
• Do you want to work on your flexibility and mobility?
• Do you want to build lean muscle mass?
• Do you want to improve your focus or concentration?
• Do you want to lessen your susceptibility to getting stressed?

Make sure that you use the correct size of Kettlebell, depending on the exercise(s) that you will do.

Check your planned workout area and see to it that it is clean, with enough room for your maneuvers while doing your Kettlebell routines and that it is free of clutter or any kind of objects that are not relevant to your workout.

Don’t forget to get your instructional videos ready. These videos are the ones that come with your free subscription to the My Fitness Nut Newsletter found at the top of MyFitnessNut.com.

Ensure that the videos you want to use are in queue so that you can clearly watch them. Remove any obstacles that can obscure or block your view because you might miss an important part of the instructions.

Warm-up properly before you start doing the exercises. In the same way, you should also cool down after you are done with your Kettlebell workout routines.

Other Kettlebell Workout Routine Considerations:

• Familiarize yourself with the language used with reference to Kettlebell workouts, so that you’ll be able to do the exercises competently:
• Intensity – this refers to how much weight you will be targeting, or what is the heaviest weight that you want to use during the workout.
• Reps – this means repetitions, or how often you repeat certain moves or exercises
• Sets – this refers to the number of reps that you will do within the workout, with no rest-time factored in.
• Intervals – these are when you do as many reps as you can under a specific time limit. Intervals are good for pushing the importance of cardiovascular endurance to the forefront of your workout.
• Gear – these are materials that are necessary for the Kettlebell routines that you will do. These include:
• Appropriate workout attire
• An exercise mat (as needed by any particular exercise)
• A stopwatch or timer (as needed by any particular exercise)
• Kettlebells of the correct size and number
• Kettlebell demonstration videos

We’re now getting deeper into our Kettlebell exercises, so make sure that your workout area is already prepared before you precede with your Kettlebell workout routines. In the next article “Kettlebell Swings: Doing It Like Elvis”, we’ll work on one of the more popular exercises called the Kettlebell swing.

A Quick History of the Russian Kettlebell

For something that looks very unremarkable, Kettlebells have a very interesting history behind them. One of their very first uses was as a measuring or weighing device in Russia, way back in the 1700s.

Girya is the Russian word for Kettlebells. A Russian Kettlebell, or girya, weighed 35 pounds and this weight was called a pood. Since there were no modern weighing scales at the time with which to find out how much certain kinds of produce weighed, what farmers did was to put their produce on the primitive scales which were then in use, and weigh their crops or produce against the girya’s pood.

Get in Shape by Goofing Off with a Kettlebell Weight

The unusual shape of the girya could have proved too interesting to Russians who were living in those times, and they probably started goofing around in-between crop weigh-ins and began to play with the giryas, passing them around like the strangely shaped balls that they were, or simply swinging them this way and that to pass the time.

As they did those fun-filled goofing-off moves with the Russian Kettlebell, they probably started to notice after a couple of weeks or so, that their bodies were becoming more and more developed, meaning they had gained more muscle and lost a great deal of fat.

Now, it’s likely that those guys were not fit to begin with, because they didn’t dance the Russian squat dance that much. You know, that dance where the dancers would cross their arms, squat, and kick out one leg and then another, alternately throwing their arms open and crossing them again as they kicked, faster and faster, on and on and on.

Pardon me; I got dizzy there for a second.

Okay, that squat dance is one excessively frenzied dance which could probably melt off all the last ounce of fat even from a grizzly bear that’s fresh from hibernating… if the bear had been so inclined to dance like that after it woke up.

But, anyway… when word got out that the giryas were making everyone who swung them look really sexy, even without Russian squat dancing… well… what do you expect happened next?

Word Spread about Russian Kettlebell Weights

Of course, every Boris, Ivan, Semyon, and Vasily who needed to become toned and healthy soon wanted to get into the act and swing a Russian Kettlebell to Kingdom come, or at least until they got fit, whichever came first (since we’re all still here on earth, it’s obvious that they got fit first).

Kettlebell Weights for a Balanced Physique

So, there they were, those Russians oozing with sex appeal, lean and muscled in all the right places. They were not walking around with oversized biceps and very narrow waists and hips; the kind that only look good to judges of Mr. Universe competitions. The ones that are otherwise undesirable for doing the routine heavy chores of life such as moving boxes and heavy furniture around.

They also didn’t have thin, nearly birdlike legs that didn’t go well (and never will) with a highly muscled torso. What they had was a balanced physique. Using a Russian Kettlebell gave them the kind of lean and strong body that they desired, and which you also do.

So, it’s true, we really shouldn’t judge a Kettlebell by how weird it looks. The beauty of the Kettlebell lies within it, and its beauty is equivalent to its ability to bring out the best in every Kettlebell user by the sheer power inherent in its design.

Russian Kettlebells and the World

One other advantage of using Kettlebell weights for fitness workouts is the fact that Kettlebell sets can be used by people of varying body types, ages, and physical conditions. For example, there are some exercises or workout routines which are not advisable for pregnant women. But there are pregnant women who have done their fitness regimens using Kettlebell weights, and experienced no untoward risks to their babies, or to themselves.

In fact, Sarah Lurie, owner and founder of Iron Core Kettlebell Strength and Conditioning has gone on record that she used Kettlebells during her first pregnancy, and continued to use them too, to eliminate the excess pounds she gained while pregnant.

She did the same thing during her second pregnancy, and according to her, the rewards of exercising with Kettlebells have been numerous. For one thing, she didn’t experience the kind of back pains which were ordinarily felt by most pregnant women. What’s more, she was energetic, she felt strong, and she had her mobility and flexibility enhanced, as well.

So, Kettlebells are not just for Boris and his comrades. It’s clear that Tom, Dick, Harry, Jane, Ashley, Maria, Rolando, Inga, Siegfried, Hachiro, Keiko, and just about whoever, wherever, who needs to become fit and energetic can make use of Kettlebells for those purposes.

But of course, to be doubly sure that you won’t experience any undue effects, it’s always safest to get medical clearance first, most of all when you have a special physical condition that could prohibit any kind of strenuous activity on your part.

The Sheer Power in Kettlebell Weights

Let’s move on to Kettlebell weights and Kettlebell sets. Determining just how heavy the Kettlebell that you will use should be, can be an intimidating experience, if you have no idea about the differences between what Kettlebell weights and Kettlebell sets are recommended for the use of men and women.

Now, before anyone becomes upset – no one is being sexist here. It’s just that the anatomy of women and men are really different from each other. That’s one major reason right there that men and women would truly be better off using weights that are more in sync with whom they are.

Kettlebell Weights for Men

For example, male Kettlebell beginners would do well to start off with anywhere from 10 kgs to 20 kgs. This may not sound like much, but remember that Kettlebells are unlike other weightlifting equipment such as barbells and dumbbells, or even a home gym that features the use of weights for bench presses and other muscle building exercises.

Kettlebell Weights for Women

For female Kettlebell beginners, anywhere between 5 kgs to 10 kgs would do, initially. Kettlebells are relatively cheap, compared to other exercise equipment, so it won’t hurt to be prudent at the start. You can always up the ante, so to speak, when the time is right.

The key is to try out the Kettlebell weights first, to see what feels “right” to you. Remember that you need to ease into using Kettlebell weights. Don’t overtax yourself. At the same time, if you can clearly lift more than the minimum weight recommended, then you should so that you won’t be wasting your exercise opportunities.

As for the type to use, you basically have three types to choose from:

The standard Russian Kettlebell, which increases in size as its weight increases. This type is made of cast iron.

The pro-grade Kettlebell, which is made out of hollow steel, makes no difference in size because the weight of this type is all that changes, the size doesn’t change. This is more expensive than a Russian Kettlebell.

There are also adjustable Kettlebells, which is a relatively new type of Kettlebell. Think of X-men when you think of an adjustable Kettlebell. It’s a mutant. Of course, it’s a matter of opinion but if you search online, you’ll see that the adjustable Kettlebell isn’t really that highly desired among enthusiasts.

An adjustable Kettlebell features weight plates that can be added to or deducted from, depending on how much Kettlebell weights you intend to use. The plates can be noisy, and the handles can get smashed when they are dropped accidentally.

Before Buying a Kettlebell Set

Before buying, ask yourself what’s your primary consideration; price or quality? If you say both, then get a Kettlebell set to have more freedom in mixing-and-matching your Kettlebells. When you start out, stay within the same brand, model or look because, well, neat and uniform is just nicer.

If you’re simply starting out on a tight budget, get a standard Kettlebell first, and practice with it. As you become adept at handling Kettlebells and know it’s something you want to make a lifetime habit out of then you’ll be in a better position to consider upgrading to a Kettlebell set that has more choices.

In the next article, “Getting into the Swing of Your Kettlebell”, I’ll work on giving you some good information on doing Kettlebell workout routines. After that we’ll get on with doing the actual exercises using Kettlebell weights you decided was right for you. And if you haven’t done so already, go to the top of MyFitnessNut.com and get the 22 Kettlebell videos that come with the My Fitness Nut Newsletter.

Read Along and Enter Kettlebell Heaven

Now that you’re in the proper frame of mind, let’s enter Kettlebell heaven, where many old school methods and ideas concerning fitness, fat burning, and muscle building get shoved out of the window.

For real. For good.

Kettlebell training is innovative. As was earlier mentioned in the Introduction of this training guide, a Kettlebell workout is focused on making the best use of time to strengthen your muscles and bones, firm up your core, and give your cardiovascular system a thorough boost.

One of the best parts of such training is that you can achieve your goals by working out with Kettlebells in only twenty to thirty minutes, at least three to four times a week.

When you’ve already got the hang of Kettlebell swings, Kettlebell snatches, and Kettlebell squats, you’ll probably want to go through your exercise routines for the whole week, but that’s another story altogether, and will be discussed in another chapter.

Anyway, when you choose to get fit through Kettlebell exercises, there’ll be no more huffing and puffing like the Big Bad Wolf on the treadmill for one hour or more, just to reach the best metabolic rate sufficient to burn calories.

When Doing Kettlebell Training There Will be No More…

No more pumping your legs up and down over and over on a stationary bike, as if you were trying to cycle your way to and through China.

No more dreading the weights that you’ll have to lift, worrying that you’ll need to make the weights go heavier and heavier until failure, because if you don’t add to the weights as your sessions go by, you’ll just be wasting your time.

No more of those aggravating concerns. Instead, you will be doing twenty to thirty minutes of a power workout – then that’s it!

Twenty to thirty minutes 3-4 times a week; think about it.

That’s about the time it would ordinarily take you to watch your favorite sitcom, assuming you can stand watching even the advertisements, while your life as a couch potato silently scrolls on by in the background.

When you decide to train with Kettlebells, you’ll be able to make one of the best uses of twenty to thirty minutes of your life and each day that you pick up a Kettlebell you’ll repeat that.

We call working out with Kettlebells as Kettlebell heaven because Kettlebell training involves getting into a determined but relaxed state of mind in order to reach your ideal physical fulfillment.

Solid Kettlebell Training Benefits

Now, we already know in a general sense that a Kettlebell is really advantageous for us. We know that working out with a Kettlebell is great because it combines both weight training and cardio. But are there any other advantages?

What are the other Kettlebell benefits that we can look forward to?

Kettlebell training can ensure that you won’t need to shell out exorbitant amounts of money to buy gym equipment that in all probability will be sold second hand for cheap or just moulder away, collecting dust and rusting silently in a corner of your home before collapsing into a pile of junk.

This will never happen with Kettlebells for the simple reason that they are cheap!

Besides, when starting out, you will only most likely need to buy one Kettlebell. You read that right. Just one initially and it’s good, because they don’t come in matching pairs, unlike noisy lovebirds that always do. (Note that a Kettlebell is quiet and all it thinks about is how to get you fit chop-chop!)

It’s your choice whether to buy different Kettlebell weights immediately (this will be discussed in the next article), or to go slow and buy one at a time.

Kettlebell benefits include exercising your mental muscles, as well as your physical ones, because while working out with Kettlebells, your mind will be busy thinking of ways to keep the workout safe and efficient for you.

You’ll understand this better when you first get hold of a Kettlebell. When you are new to it, you’ll most likely be caught off-guard when you try to swing it for the first time: What the heck, does this funny looking iron thing have a mind of its own? Is it trying to make me turn left even if I’m trying to swing right?

Don’t worry! First of all, Kettlebell exercises don’t require Mensa membership. They’re not that hard to do.

Second, the 22 demonstration videos that accompany this guide will show you the exact moves you need to do, the exact form that you need to adopt, and the techniques that would lead you to achieve your fitness and health and wellness goals, so, it’s all good!

Kettlebell Training Works 8 Major Muscle Groups

Kettlebell training will maximize the use of all of your eight major muscle groups instead of just one isolated muscle per session. Imagine your abs working harmoniously with your back, your shoulders, your arms, your chest, your calves, and your thighs, and even your butt!

That’s the Kettlebell Benefits We’re Talking About

Yes, Kettlebell benefits also include enabling your butt to finally take center stage with your abs at the same time! No longer will you worry about the indignity of having ripped abs in front, but a sagging or flat butt at the back.

Think of yourself looking gorgeous in a body-hugging tee, and even more gorgeous in a well-fitting pair of jeans that proudly show off a well-developed butt! Cheers for Kettlebells!

Loving those Kettlebell benefits yet? There’s more!

When you regularly work out with Kettlebells for about a month to a month and a half, you’ll be able to train your body how to properly move and this will go a long way to help you handle basic, functional movements in your daily life.

If you’re the type who frequently (by accident) bumps into objects that you encounter or pass by, or if you find yourself unable to carry bags of groceries without feeling worn out, then training with a Kettlebell benefits you because you will be able to build up strength, coordination, flexibility, and balance.

Go Solo or Get a Trainer with Kettlebell Certification?

The inherent beauty of Kettlebell training is that you can have a choice of training solo, or getting a trainer who has passed a Kettlebell certification program.

When you have access to training or instructional videos, like the ones provided as accompaniments to this guide, then it is possible to begin training on your own. The basic information that you would need to get started is covered in the articles that follow while the videos demonstrate how to do the exercises, paying particular attention to correct technique and form.

When you start having an interest in more advanced moves, then it could be a good idea to think about getting the services of a professional instructor who has gone through a Kettlebell certification program.

A Kettlebell certification program qualifies the trainer to give professional-level training. There are numerous Kettlebell instructor training courses that can be availed of, to eventually acquire Kettlebell certification. This certification is proof that an instructor has gained expertise and is qualified to provide new Kettlebell students and or enthusiasts with the kind of training that can help them in working towards athletic level conditioning.

In the next article I’ll talk a little bit about the origin of Kettlebells and different types of there are. If you already have a Kettlebell or set of and are happy, you can blow past this next article titled “The Kettlebell Saga: From Farmers to Fitness Nuts” or read it for entertainment and some good information. After that, we’ll move on to Kettlebell training workout routines and begin reaping the benefits we’ve been talking about here. Isn’t it time to start getting your own little piece of Kettlebell Heaven?

Get Rid of Body Fat and Pump Up Your Muscles with Kettlebell Exercises

If everyone who uses a Kettlebell – trainers, fitness champions, celebrities, pro athletes, and even Kettlebell workout neophytes – ever got together, their sheer number would motivate anyone to try Kettlebell exercises and eventually become a Kettlebell devotee.

Whoa, Nelly! A devotee? Isn’t that claiming a bit too much?

No, it isn’t. In fact, Kettlebell devotees do exist, and are found in various parts of the world, from all walks of life.

Many who perform Kettlebell exercises look back on the day they first discovered the beauty of doing a Kettlebell workout, and pat themselves on the back knowing fully well that they deserve to congratulate themselves for making a good choice. They made the smart decision to use an effective fitness tool that can trim the fat and pump up muscles in just one go.

Why Kettlebells Rule

Okay, let’s admit it this early. Kettlebells, those homely looking things, will never win a contest for best-looking exercise and fitness equipment. They’re relatively small, squat, and dumpy, compared to those buff-looking barbells and sexy dumbbells.

They’re not as slick as the slim and proud-standing treadmills, not as imposing as the mufti-functional home gym machines, and definitely not as cool looking as the ellipticals, bikes, and rowers.

They’re not even as imaginative as the good ole’ trampolines that call to mind those carefree childhood days when it was great fun to jump up and down on the trampolines, going higher and higher, scaring the heck out of ourselves, and nearly giving granny or mom a coronary.

So, all that being said…

What’s So Great About Kettlebell Exercises?

Plenty!

As far as looks are concerned, Kettlebells may not be impressive – imagine handles on a cannonball or maybe a medium sized round handbag made of cast iron – but when it comes to performance, a Kettlebell can, and will, blow your socks off.

Kettlebells Combine Cardio and Weight Training

Sure, sure, treadmills give you an awesome cardiovascular workout, but have you ever tried lifting a treadmill to develop muscular strength?

As for weightlifting equipment, of course they build up your muscles, but in all probability, you’d have to go pump while running around (see the MyFitnessNut.com logo) like a frenzied Tasmanian Devil on steroids, if you even want to simply approximate the cardio benefits that come from doing a Kettlebell workout.

It’s a no-brainer. Why have separate cardiovascular and weight training workouts, when doing Kettlebell exercises can give you the benefits of both in the same exact workout routine?

A Kettlebell is like a maestro skillfully leading an orchestra that is made up of your core, your back, your legs, and your arms.

Like the fitness virtuosos that they are, Kettlebells coordinate your body’s major muscles during your workout, increasing your metabolic process, burning fat even as you build muscle strength.

Awesome is too tame a word for getting such advantages through the use of only one in-expensive fitness tool.

Dumbbell vs. Kettlebell Exercises

Dumbbells are great for spot toning, but if you want a total fat-blasting and muscle building workout for your body, it’s got to be a Kettlebell workout for you.

Visualize these words: Total… Body… Workout

That’s what this “Burn Body Fat Kettlebell Training Guide” gives you. Not just a promise, not just a hope, not just a possibility. This fitness guide shows you the reality that’s to come, that’s to happen in your life when you start doing, and going on with our Kettlebell exercises.

Remember, this guide comes complete with 22 instructional videos that will take away the mystery about how best to use Kettlebells in order to get:

• A healthy cardiovascular system
• A strong back that can withstand pressure
• Arms and legs that are sculpted
• Increased metabolism that’s fired up to levels which encourage weight loss to happen the natural way
• A healthy core that protects your vital organs reliably and efficiently; six pack abs.

Take a Cue From Arnie

Arnold Schwarzenegger, former action star, politician, businessman, and body builder, was a progressive thinker, an inspired visionary who saw the directions that life would go, way ahead of his time.

No, wait, this is serious. Really.

Okay, he might not have foreseen the way that controversies would dog his private and public life, but setting those matters aside, you’ll have to add that his dedication to keeping fit, and his determination to make bodybuilding – which used to be considered as a weird way for conceited men to show off their excessively developed muscles – a major part of mainstream physical fitness. Health and wellness was something that stood out in the 1960s to the 1970s.

Arnie started out with barbells and weight training, and the rest is history, as we all know it. He took care of his body, and his body took care of him, acting as his ticket to Hollywood, and opening doors that led to the worlds of politics and business.

Arnie had the right idea. Take it from him. Use the opportunities available to you and sculpt and tone your body and make yourself stronger. If Arnie had his barbells, you have your Kettlebells.

Degrees of Engagement – Bodybuilding with a Kettlebell

As is the case with other bodybuilding exercises, a Kettlebell workout has degrees of engagement that you can gradually get into. No one’s expecting you to suddenly lift up a Kettlebell and start swinging it around like the way Thor mightily does it with Mjölnir, his devastating hammer. And no, you don’t have to buy a Thor costume or any kind of superhero outfit to use while working out… but, on second thought, if it gets you motivated, why not, eh?

Yep, no one’s expecting you to be the Kickass Kettlebell Kid of the Century…

But, you are expected to eventually understand the differences between technique and form, as well as appreciate why knowing such differences can lead you to your success.

You are expected to eventually learn how to enjoy the challenges that come your way, in the form of the 22 Kettlebell exercises that are clearly presented in the demonstration videos that accompany this guide.

And, you are expected to keep in mind the importance of knowing how to align your spine and keep your hips properly positioned as you do a Kettlebell workout.

Don’t forget: safety first!

So, are you ready to trim the fat and pump up your muscles? Great. Read through the rest of “Burn Body Fat Kettlebell Training Guide”, get access to all 22 Kettlebell Exercise Videos by subscribing to the My Fitness Nut Newsletter at the top of MyFitnessNut.com and then bring on the Kettlebells and let’s get started!

Having six pack abs is the dream of many a guy…

Alas, the ability to take off the shirt and wow the girls is a fantasy is a dream come true.

Every year millions of dollars are spent on eBooks, paperbacks, gym memberships, weird ab contraptions sold on the late night infomercials, etc. The goal is the elusive six pack abs that so many want but so few achieve.

What You Need To Do For Six Pack Abs

The answer is simple. You need to watch what you eat, work out often and maintain a calorie deficit. It is that simple! So why do so many people fail?

Execution is the answer my friend, execution. The difficulty is executing the simple concepts stated above. It requires immense determination, dedication, patience and the ability to sacrifice small pleasures in life for the greater goal.

The first and most important step is to get your nutrition under control. Your diet needs to be clean and wholesome. This is so difficult to achieve that most guys never get past this step.

For Six Pack Abs Gaining Control over Your Diet is Top Priority

It’s not easy to give up the habit of eating whatever you desire and maintain an ever watchful eye over every morsel you place in your mouth. People with six packs watch their diets with an eagle eye and they do it religiously. No exceptions and no slip ups. Your diet is everything.

So, you will need to do the research and find out what are the foods you should avoid. The sodas, chocolates, pizzas, fried chicken wings, etc. Even reading this may be painful but it is a sacrifice that you must make. All is not lost. You may consume all these foods once a week on your cheat day.

The strange thing is that many people slowly develop an aversion to most of this unhealthy food once they start eating clean.

For Six Pack Abs Gaining Control over Your Exercise Routine is Second Priority

The next part of your plan will be to get your workouts right. You should be exercising no less than 4 times a week. 5 would be great. You’ll need to alternate between cardio workouts and resistance training or do a workout routine that is a combination of both; think kettlebells.

Your workouts must be intense and leave you panting and sweating profusely. Even your resistance training must have very short rest periods to create an oxygen deficit. This will cause an afterburn effect where your body burns calories for hours after your workout.

You will want to include compound movements such as pull-ups, deadlifts, squats, bench presses, renegade rows and other compound lifts. Working out with kettlebells is an excellent way to lose weight. Your core will be engaged and it will be a hard yet rewarding workout.

Cardio sessions need to be high intensity too. A 20 minute hardcore session will beat a slow 60 minute jog any day. Keep thinking intensity, intensity and more intensity.

It will be painful. You may feel like giving up. The whole six pack goal may not seem worth the effort. If you feel like this, then you know you are doing things right. Just pick yourself up and keep going.

Watch videos on YouTube and the ones found here at http://MyFitnessNut.com to motivate yourself. The six pack abs you want is already there and it’s waiting for you to develop and shoe them off. You just need to go through the hard yards to attain it. Rest assured if you keep on keeping on, you will get there.

It may seem like kettlebell training is the latest fitness trend these days. There are DVD videos dedicated to kettlebell workouts and eBooks and hardbacks published covering all the different techniques and tips of kettlebell training. Even the actors in the movie, 300, reported that part of their daily workouts consisted of kettlebell training to build their bronze, ripped bodies.

The kettlebell itself resembles a bowling ball with a handle attached. They come in various sizes and weights. Yet, the techniques and methods of using them are the same.

Kettlebell Training is an Age-Old Practice

Kettlebells are not new exercise contraptions developed for late night infomercials. In fact, research shows that they were used by the Olympians in ancient Greece to train. The difference is that their kettlebells were carved of stone and not steel. They were probably crude pieces of equipment so unlike the cool kettlebells we have today that even come in pink for women.

Despite the appearance, one thing can’t be denied. Kettlebells are a highly effective tool for fat loss and body toning. They increase core strength and are able to target muscles that the normal dumbbells or barbells just can’t reach.

Martial artists, runners, golfers and just about all athletes can reap rewards by including a kettlebell workout in their training program. Kettlebells also require less training time due to the nature of the workouts involving these apparatus.

Kettlebell Training Lets You Do More in Less Time

The average workout time for a kettlebell routine ranges from 20 to 45 minutes depending on the individuals strength and stamina. A kettlebell workout for 30 minutes will be just as effective as a 60 minute run if done with intensity. The afterburn effect of these workouts will have your body burning calories furiously for up to 8 or 12 hours.

Kettlebell training is basically made up of a few moves such as swings, snatches, cleans and drop squats. The key to kettlebell training is the hip drive which powers all these moves. Unlike conventional training using dumbbells, kettlebell training trains the core.

A bicep curl with a dumbbell will only work the biceps and maybe 1 or 2 surrounding muscles. A snatch with a kettlebell will work your core, back, thighs, legs and shoulder muscles in just one move. So, this ensures a more thorough full body workout and you will burn more calories when more muscles are engaged.

Kettlebell Training is Resistance Training With Your Core Training All in One

The craze in kettlebell training is due to thousands of people reporting fast weight loss with kettlebell workouts. The real truth is that kettlebell training is resistance training with core training included. Many women, who are intimidated by heavy weight equipment such as dumbbells and barbells, take to kettlebells more readily. It just seems ‘cuter’ and they come in colors too!

Resistance training is very effective for fat loss. So, people who were averse to other ‘hardcore’ equipment in the gym and didn’t include resistance training in their training regime will see fast results when they give kettlebells a try. It is not so much the kettlebells that do the trick but the nature of the workouts they are used in.

Harder workouts, more muscles engaged and more calories burned resulting in faster fat loss and a more toned, fit and beautiful body. A dream come true, thanks to kettlebells.

Learn More by Watching: Get 20 of the Best Kettlebell Training Exercises on Video for Free

Some people learn better by watching and examples. If this is you then you’ll want to go to the top of the page at http://MyFitneessNut.com and subscribe to the My Fitness Nut Newsletter. When you do, you’ll get a full body workout with 20 of the best Kettlebell Exercises on video. They’re yours to enjoy, so go get them now while we’re still giving them away.

Kettlebells are the latest craze now and for good reason too. Thousands of people report health benefits such as increased strength, fat loss and a general sense of feeling fitter ever since they started working out with kettlebells.

What’s really happening here is that more people are involving themselves in resistance training than before. This is probably due to the fact that it is a trend and people feel that it’s fun to jump on the bandwagon and join the rest. That’s basically what kettlebell training is. It is resistance training without dumbbells, barbells, cables, etc.

For Excellent Resistance Training – Grab the Kettlebell

Only kettlebells are needed for your resistance training and nothing more.

Kettlebells also work the core muscles which are often neglected by most people. So now that more people are including resistance training into their routines, they are seeing improvements whereas in the past, all they probably did was some cardio activity.

There are many mistakes that people make when training with kettlebells. This article will enlighten you on what they are so that you can steer clear of these mistakes.

The Top 5 Mistakes Many People Make Doing Kettlebell Workouts

1. Ignoring the fundamentals

Kettlebell training is progressive. Many people do not have a strong grasp of the basic moves before progressing on to the intermediate and advanced moves. Worse is that most don’t even know that the moves are classified as beginner, intermediate and advanced. Not all moves are equal.

The 2 most important moves one should master in kettlebell training are the swings and Turkish Get Ups. All other moves are derived from these 2 moves. Master them and you will be a head above the majority of people training with kettlebells.

2. Not working progressively

People are so used to getting things fast and easy in today’s world that they expect exercise to be the same. Well, it’s not. You can just raise the weights and expect your body to handle it if it’s not accustomed to weight training.

Many guys use kettlebells that are way too heavy for their skill level.

Furthermore, when working with kettlebells, you will need to build up your static and dynamic stability. If you can’t hold a kettlebell above your head in a stable manner, you have no business pressing it.

Work from the ground up. Make sure your stabilizing muscles are strong before engaging in pressing moves.

3. Treating a kettlebell like a dumbbell

You can’t use kettlebells for bicep curls or other exercises that only dumbbells are suited for. Of course, for some exercises, kettlebells may be substituted for dumbbells. Knowing which exercises is the key to being effective and not looking foolish.

Kettlebells were made for training your core, thighs, butt and other muscles so often neglected. Use kettlebells for the exercises that were meant for kettlebells and not use them for dumbbell or barbell exercises.

4. Using kettlebells that are too light

I realize that one must train progressively but I’d recommend a minimum weight of 35lbs for men and 16lbs for women. Anything less is not optimal. Train with fewer reps in the beginning and progress on

5. Unnecessarily complicated workouts

Keep your workouts simple. Include a few different moves comprising of squatting, lunging, pulling, pushing, etc. Keep the workout at a high intensity and on a simple circuit.

Many people come up with unnecessary complex moves and ridiculous circuits just to keep the workout interesting. It just ends up confusing. You want to be focused on the training only and not a hundred other things.

These are the most common errors that people make. Avoid them like the plague and you will do just fine and the kettlebells will be your new best friend in time to come.

Learn More by Watching: Get 20 of the Best Kettlebell Exercises on Video for Free

Some people learn better by watching and examples. If this is you then you’ll want to go to the top of the page at http://MyFitneessNut.com and subscribe to the My Fitness Nut Newsletter. When you do, you’ll get a full body workout with 20 of the best Kettlebell Exercises on video. They’re yours to enjoy, so go get them now while we’re still giving them away.

This is a great question. Unfortunately, there is no right or wrong answer to this question. It’s a decision that you will have to make on your own based on your personality.

Some people love working out in groups. The group vibe and nature of a class workout really motivates them and strikes a chord with them. Other people may hat working out with others and prefer to train in solitude away from the eyes of others.

The fact of the matter is that wherever you train, the results will be the same as long as you are doing the correct exercises with the right intensity. Personally, I feel that kettlebell workouts are best done alone in the privacy of your own home.

Kettlebell Workouts Are Best Done Barefoot

The reason for this is that kettlebell workouts are best done barefoot because the load bearing force is dispersed into the ground through your feet. Most shoes have soles that are too soft for this.

Training in a class will mean that you have to wear shoes.

There is also the aspect of safety. I would never feel safe with a whole group of people swinging weights that look like bowling balls with handles. I wouldn’t be able to concentrate on my workout having to constantly keep an eye on my surroundings.

On the flip side, if you are a beginner with no idea how to use a kettlebell, a few classes might be a good idea for you to grasp the basics of handling a kettlebell and you’ll learn a few moves too. So, it all depends on the individual.

Watching a Kettlebell Workout on Video

If you do not know squat about kettlebells (pun intended), and do not wish to embarrass yourself in classes, you may just purchase an eBook or a DVD dedicated to kettlebell training. These will be just as helpful as any class so no worries.

If you do decide to join a class, make sure that the instructor is certified and knows what he is doing. The kettlebell can be a dangerous apparatus to use if you do not understand the mechanics of the movements.

Unlike conventional weights, the jerking, hip thrusts and swinging movements increase the possibility of a strained ligament or muscle tear if done wrongly. Normal dumbbells and barbells have more or less rigid moves so they are in a way ‘safer’ than kettlebells.

Now the point to take away from this article is that kettlebell training has tons of benefits from fat loss to muscle toning and even your co-ordination improves. However, it does not matter if you do it in a class or at home. Your body does not care about the surroundings. It only responds to the workouts.

It’s all a matter of choice. The real effectiveness of the training lies in your ability to be consistent and stay the course. Exercise is supposed to be a habit. Try and get some daily. Even 20 minutes a day with your kettlebell or even switching between a run or swim will do wonders for your health. In the end, that’s only thing that really matters.

Learn More by Watching: Get 20 of the Best Kettlebell Exercises on Video for Free and Create Your Own Kettlebell Class at Home

Some people learn better by watching and examples. If this is you then you’ll want to go to the top of the page at http://MyFitneessNut.com and subscribe to the My Fitness Nut Newsletter. When you do, you’ll get a full body workout with 20 of the best Kettlebell Exercises on video. They’re yours to enjoy, so go get them now while we’re still giving them away.

Let me answer this ASAP!

The answer is yes!

Kettlebells are an excellent way for women to achieve their fitness goals. Over the recent years, kettlebell training has seen a sharp rise in popularity especially among women.

Unlike normal hardcore weight training equipment which involves bars, weight plates, cables and big, sweaty panting guys, a kettlebell just looks like a bowling ball with a handle. In some subconscious way, women find kettlebells less intimidating and the negative stigma attached to normal equipment does not apply to these ‘cute’ kettlebells.

Kettlebells Provide Women with a Balanced Fitness Plan

Resistance training is a key component to total fitness. It increases muscle mass, strengthens bones and ligaments and actually retards the aging process. Cardiovascular training while effective is not enough to achieve all the fitness requirements. Most women do too much cardio and neglect the muscle toning and building aspect of training.

Kettlebell training will strengthen your core, shred your fat off, increase your stamina and improve your muscle tone. It is the perfect solution for someone pressed for time and usually, most women are. Women need to look after the family, work job many times and a whole ton of other things need to be done.

That’s why kettlebell training is as fantastic for women as it is for men. A quick, intense 30 minute kettlebell session is enough to burn fat for hours and the muscles will also be strengthened.

Many women who have joined kettlebell classes for just 3 weeks have reported losing pounds of their body in no time. They also felt stronger and fitter. Even normal body aches and menstrual cramps are reportedly diminished.

These benefits cannot be achieved by running or swimming or cycling. Only resistance training can provide these benefits and kettlebells is a great way to work those muscles.

Women Appreciate the Shape and Versatility of Kettlebells

Kettlebells are a very versatile piece of equipment. Unlike dumbbells, they are safer to swing around because of the lack of sharp, jutting edges. So, women can perform swings, snatches, presses and a whole variety of moves that cannot be done safely with a normal dumbbell.

This variety makes training easier and more effective. A barbell curl is a barbell curl and it works the bicep. All other bicep exercises with a barbell will be very similar.

However, with a kettlebell, due to the swinging and jerking techniques, there is more allowance for freedom of technique. You may substitute certain techniques for others to achieve similar effects.

Why Women Get Great Results with Kettlebell Exercises

Kettlebell training effectively targets the thighs, butt, legs, hips and waist. These areas are so often neglected by men in the gyms. That is why you see guys with huge upper bodies but relatively skinny legs.

Women however, do not have the option of neglecting these areas because these are the areas most prone to getting fat and flabby. Many women complain of flabby thighs, droopy buttocks, sagging hips, etc. The kettlebell can remedy all these problems.

Most kettlebell training involves moves from the hips. There are many squatting and swinging movements designed to tone the stomach, thighs and buttocks. This is the answer to most women’s trouble areas. If you are not satisfied with how your body looks, if you want that firm, toned buttocks and legs that will look great in a bikini, then look no further than a kettlebell. It’s all you need.

Learn More by Watching: Get 20 of the Best Kettlebell Training Exercises For Men or Women on Video for Free

Some people learn better by watching and examples. If this is you then you’ll want to go to the top of the page at http://MyFitneessNut.com and subscribe to the My Fitness Nut Newsletter. When you do, you’ll get a full body workout with 20 of the best Kettlebell Exercises on video. They’re yours to enjoy, so go get them now while we’re still giving them away.