Kettlebell Workouts: The “New” Old Way to Workout at the Gym

Fitness gurus everywhere are excited to bring out the latest workout tool for you to incorporate into your fitness regimen: the kettlebell. Kettlebell workouts are popping up everywhere. But this “new” tool isn’t really new. In fact, it’s been around for a while. Quite a while. Like, thousands of years. So, exactly, where did this thing originate? And why are people so kettlebell crazy?

What the heck is a kettlebell?

A cannonball with a handle, or a really heavy tea kettle? What do you think it looks like? Well, it is called a kettlebell, isn’t it? You can call it whatever you want, but basically, the kettlebell is a hand-type weight than can range in size from 5 lbs. to 100 lbs. The unique handle lets you maneuver in such a way that most of your major muscle groups can be engaged at the same time.

Was it the Greeks, or the Russians?

This traditional fitness tool is thought to have originated in Greece and initially used by athletes there over 2000 years ago. Many think it originated in Russia because it popped up in a Russian dictionary in the early 1700′s and was called a “girya.” Although this is true, the kettlebell has been in use by many athletes and trainers for many years in many countries and cultures. Fitness gurus love them, as do the U.S. military and firefighters.

Why do trainers love them?

Swing it!

When you are using a kettlebell, like, for instance, with the basic swing, you are engaging almost every major muscle group in your body. The basic swing is simply holding the kettlebell handle with both hands, lowering down into a squat, and swinging the kettlebell between the legs and up about shoulder height into a standing position. In this exercise, you are engaging almost all your major muscle groups (core, legs, hips, arms etc.) all at the same time! This helps build not only muscle, but endurance. And, another bonus is, your workouts can be done more quickly and with more efficiency because you aren’t isolating the muscle groups to work them out.

Looking to find the best review on kettlebell workouts, then visit www.healthy-weight-loss-now.com to find the best tips for healthy weight loss for you.