First Few Months with a Kettlebell

by Mike
(Nevada)

I didn't like kettlebells until actually using them. There were always people using them but it looked strange to me. I guess because it wasn't something we did in physical exercise class in my years at public school. But actually trying the kettlebell out gave me a new appreciation.

It was actually fun.

The handle is easy to grip, and many of the kettlebell exercises involve swinging it around. Swing under, swing it over, swing it side to side. It was a lot of fun. I think the looped grip on top of kettlebells give you the security to really swing kettlebells with a lot of speed and power.

The best thing about kettlebell exercises for me is they work my whole body. My calfs, quadriceps, gluteus maximus, lower back, deltoids, biceps, forearms, and grip. That's usually an overall body workout.

Here I use full swings, lifting the kettlebell up over my head swing it down between the legs. And then swing it back up overhead. I do about 10 repetitions and then take a break.

Other exercises I do with the kettlebell are leg exercises that target quadriceps mostly. Squats are nice and basic. But I prefer the one leg-squat, with one leg raised in front. I rest the kettlebell on the raised leg while squatting on the single leg. I do four repetitions of these and they aren't easy.

Although my favorite kettlebell exercise is for the abs. Laying on my back, I simply lift a kettlebell in the air with my right hand and try to move up into a sitting position. That's it. It's quick but it actually requires a lot of effort for the abs, and a little on the chest. Overall I now enjoy my exercise time more with kettlebells than typical free weights.