Top 7 Benefits of Kettlebell Training

Last winter I saw a televised CrossFit competition and it was my first glimpse of kettlebells in action. Admittedly, I am not a CrossFitter, but that may not be true for long. I recently began kettlebell training and I’m loving it!

Photo Credit: jb.atwood

I didn’t know where to begin with this seemingly barbaric hunk of iron, but it’s surprisingly intuitive. I bought a standard solid cast iron kettlebell for a fit adult male, 35 pounds (16 kg), and just started swinging.

Day 1 and Beyond

The first thing I read online about kettlebells for beginners started off like this: “Watch out! You are going to hurt yourself! This is dangerous! AAHHHAH!”

The second thing I read went something like this: “Kettlebells will turn you into a super-strong man, capable of lifting tall buildings and bending steel with your bare hands.”

Both of these statements are partly true.

As my first day of kettlebell training proved, these are intense weights and you do need to respect them. I also found myself feeling stronger and very robust after only one workout.

After watching numerous videos online and practicing dozens of moves, I am still a total amateur. However, I seriously love my kettlebell and I think you will love it too.

Benefits of Kettlebell Training

1. It’s a FUN Workout! ::: I always rank exercise based on enjoyment. Why? Because if you don’t like it you won’t keep doing it. Exercise is all about consistency. The good news here is that kettlebells are a joy to use and that’s a good enough reason to keep it going!
2. Fat Burning ::: Kettlebells are great at activating many muscle groups in an intense way, which causes some serious fat burning. After only a week with the kettlebell I noticed more muscle definition.
3. Massive Strength Increase ::: 35 pounds may not sound like much, but don’t let the number fool you – it’s heavy. After literally throwing around a 35-pound weight for even just 5 minutes, you will feel the burn and then enjoy robust muscles soon after.
4. Functional Fitness ::: Kettlebell training is different from standard weight lifting at the gym because you are intentionally replicating real life. The various kettlebell exercises are designed to be practical by duplicating what you already do every day, like picking up your dog or carrying groceries.
5. Many Possible Workouts in One ::: I recommend you watch the video below to see a remarkable number of workouts you can do with just one or two kettlebells. It’s impressive.
6. Strong Core and Back ::: If you’re a runner, you will especially appreciate the core and back workout you get from the kettlebell. I can already see improvement in my upper back after only a few workouts.
7. Minimal Equipment Needed ::: Simplicity is bliss. The kettlebell is one piece of equipment and it’s so easy to grab and go. There’s literally a handle built right into it!

Your Next Move

Buy a kettlebell. I found a set of very affordable kettlebells on Amazon, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to get started. My 35-pound kettlebell was $41 USD, including taxes and shipping.

If you are still on the fence about getting one, find a friend with a kettlebell and try it out. When you are so sore you can’t move the next day, then you will know how awesome it is. Enjoy!