Top 5 Reasons Why I Love Kettlebell Training
If you know me, you know I love lots of different kinds of training. This means anything that involves moving weight — from simple bodyweight exercises to heavy barbell lifts to mma conditioning workouts. It all pretty much qualifies as my kind of fun. Though it’s certainly not the “be all end all,” the kettlebell has recently become my favorite training tool. Here are five reasons why:
Top 5 Reasons Why I Love Kettlebell Training
- Kettlebell workouts are fast. My typical workouts are about 20-25 minutes long (plus warm up and cool down.) It is definitely possible to get an amazing workout in under ten minutes with the kettlebell.
- Kettlebell workouts are complete. Both cardiovascular training and strength training are accomplished at once. Full body movements provide a workout for all major muscle groups.
- Kettlebells are portable and little space is required to get in a full workout. Exercise in your basement, living room, bedroom, den, office. Take your kettlebell outside. It can go with you wherever you go (but beware of the rolling around in the back seat of your car!) There is even a new backpack specially made for carrying you kettlebell with you on hikes or walks.
- Kettlebell training is fun. There is just something fun about swinging the kettlebell. And where I get a “this is fun- Whee!” feeling from the swing, I get a different but equally fun “OH YEAH! THIS ROCKS!” feeling from the kettlebell snatch. It’s empowering to be able to hoist a handled cannonball overhead. Multiple times. Note: the fun morphs into serious work after a few swings and/or snatches, but that is not a bad thing.
- Kettlebells are economical, at approximately $50 – $100 each. We have all probably paid more than that for a good pair of running shoes. Which one lasts longer? You only really need one kettlebell to get started.
Just my top five. I have a few (dozen) more in mind as well. What are the reasons you love kettlebell training?
Excellent post! With so many of us busy I don’t think that there is a better bang for the buck if you will. Have a great 4th!
Hey Sarah! Terrific post from my favorite blonde “beast”!
You really nailed it! Before training with Sandy Sommer, I would have been very ’skeptical’ about buying into the five reasons you mentioned…and I would have been completely WRONG!
Great points, Sarah! All 100% on target…BULLSEYE!
(I LOVE #4: I’m still in the “Whee” stage…)
Thanks for posting this! Great stuff!
-F.
This is why I don’t run steady state anymore because it’s not fun. I can’t wait to get my kettlebell so I can be included in all this fun. ; )
That’s a really really good point about kettlebells being economical. Lots of people (me included!) cringe at the price of a quality bell, but when you consider that the darn things last forever and you don’t need very many of them, they’re truly a steal. Right now I’ve got an 8 kg and a 12 kg, and I’ve got a 16 kg on order. I’d like to get another 8 and another 12 so I can begin incorporating some double kettlebell lifts, but once I’ve got those I don’t anticipate needing more for a long, long time.
Dumbbells and plate weights may be a little cheaper pound for pound, but you need a lot more of them to get a decent workout. You also need a bench and a squat rack, and the room to store all that equipment. It ends up being a very expensive choice for a home exerciser, though it may not seem so at first.
People like to say KBs are expensive, but are they? I let my Big Box Gym membership expire six months ago an have yet to look back. If you add up all the monthly charges I’ve avoided, you can buy a nice set of KBs!
Funny… those are also my top 5 reasons to TRY kettlebells!
I’m working on it! That70sgrl will be a KB newbie by the end of this month!
I’m going to forward this post on to some friends who aren’t convinced.
Right on all counts. Bravo!
Sandy, Laura & Jerry – Yep, kettlebells are definitely a worthy investment, given the versatility and durability they offer. Thanks for your perspective!
Fred – You are so kind. And I hear you’re becoming quite a Kettlebell Beast yourself, my friend! Keep up the good work!!
Julie – I’m so psyched that you are trying kettlebell training!! I can’t wait to hear how you like it!!
Cath – Yay!! I’m so excited for you to try kettlebells!! I’ll bet you are going to get hooked!!
Josh – Thanks, Man! Your comments always mean a lot.
I like number two the most, full movement exercises. Awesome fun