Kettlebells surged to popularity in 2008, but many people are still unfamiliar with this funny-looking piece of equipment. It looks like a canon ball with a handle on top. They weigh anywhere from seven pounds to more than 40 pounds.
You can do a variety of classic strength training exercises with a kettlebell, but they take the boredom out of traditional strength training. I recommend doing a full-circuit routine because this will get your heart rate up and keep it up, so you can knock out a cardio session as well.
I purchased my 10 pound kettlebell last summer at City Sports in Manhattan for under $20, and then lugged it home in my Longchamp tote. I did not pay myself “shipping and handling.” Then I downloaded a beginner DVD from gofit.net (you can also order a hard copy here, but again, I despise shipping and handling, along with waiting). The DVD features the kettlebell goddess, Sara Lurie. She takes you through a 45 minute circuit that involves squats, “cleans” (a classic kettlebell move), deadlifts, and more. To power through the moves, you’ll work your lower body, as well as your abs and upper body. You’ll actually complete the routine three times; when she says, “Take a break, and we’ve got one more,” you’ll want that break! It’s a tough workout! It’s really great for toning and sculpting your ass–like really lifting it, so it has that cute inverted pyramid shape. (Among my many workout goals, one is “an ass you could crack a walnut on” because I heard that on a TV show once as a kid, as a description of a hot woman.)
One thing I like about this workout is that it doesn’t require a ton of room. My apartment leaves a very small space to work out, and even when squatting side to side, I didn’t run out of room or kick any pieces of furniture.
Because kettlebells originated in Russia, I kind of feel like an old-school “I will pump you up” exerciser when using them (even though my kettlebell is bright yellow, not cast iron). Also, Sara explains the exercises pretty well so that you are not a hazard to yourself or others (I mean, let go of that thing, and you could bust through a wall).
Here’s a video that demonstrates some moves done with a kettlebell, set to one of my favorite workout songs, Beyonce’s “Get Me Bodied.”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gy5uU7ku-Lo]
If you’re still avoiding the weight room, swinging around a kettlebell might be just the thing you need to make a habit out of strength training.
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