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 

1. 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.
2. 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. 
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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?