Kettlebell

How To

Get Lifted: Kettlebell Figure Eights

If you're looking for exercises to do using a kettlebell, you can strengthen your thighs and tush by doing swinging kettlebell squats or swinging kettlebell squat lunge.

If you're looking for exercises to do using a kettlebell, you can strengthen your thighs and tush by doing swinging kettlebell squats or swinging kettlebell squat lunge. Here's another move to add to your routine that will not only target your thighs, but will also give you a killer workout for your core. I'm using a five-pound kettlebell, but if you want more of a challenge, I'd go for a 10- or 15-pounder.

To learn how to do this move, read more

How To

Get Lifted: Swinging Kettlebell Squat Lunge

I'm all jazzed about kettlebells lately, and if you're looking for an exercise to use this unique piece of equipment, here's one to try.

I'm all jazzed about kettlebells lately, and if you're looking for an exercise to use this unique piece of equipment, here's one to try. It's sure to tone your thighs and tush and give you sculpted shoulders.

For tips on how to do this move keep reading.

How To

Get Lifted: Swinging Kettlebell Squats

Using a kettlebell when strength training has been proven to build endurance, balance, and flexibility, and of course it tones and strengthens your muscles.

Using a kettlebell when strength training has been proven to build endurance, balance, and flexibility, and of course it tones and strengthens your muscles. Using these old-school fitness tools also gets your heart rate up since many of the exercises involve big movements like swinging. If you want a more intense workout, give kettlebells a try. Here's an exercise that will sculpt your upper back and shoulders, work your core, and tone your tush and thighs. Talk about bang for your buck!

To learn how to do this move, read more

Strength Training

Kettlebells and You

They've been around for decades, but only recently have kettlebells been gaining popularity.

They've been around for decades, but only recently have kettlebells been gaining popularity. You may be thinking, "What's so great about kettlebells? They seem like dumbbells with handles, so why not just use dumbbells?" Your answer comes when you pick up a kettlebell; you'll notice that it's much harder to handle, which is what makes it more effective for strength training. The off-centered weight forces you to engage multiple muscle groups at once in order help stabilize your body. Your body as a whole will become stronger, especially your core. When using a kettlebell, you can execute the same exercises you can do with dumbbells, plus many more that involve swinging, pushing, and balancing the bell.

These cast iron weights come in a range of sizes from two pounds to 100 pounds (for the really strong ladies and gents). Proper use of kettlebells requires strength and coordination, so it's best to start off with a light weight at first. If you are a healthy and fit female, begin using one that's about 15 pounds (8 kg). If you haven't strength trained in a while (or ever), start with a lighter bell, such as five or eight pounds. To figure out if you've chosen the right size, try these three exercises after you read more

Fitness

Gear Review: The Firm Kettlebell Kit

If you've been curious to try a kettlebell workout but your gym doesn't offer one, then work it at home with The Firm Kettlebell Kit ($25).

If you've been curious to try a kettlebell workout but your gym doesn't offer one, then work it at home with The Firm Kettlebell Kit ($25). It comes with a five-pound kettlebell and a 45-minute DVD to show you how to use it.

I'm new to the kettlebell scene, but now I am a convert. Instead of just using dumbbells or resistance bands, I've been adding kettlebell exercises to my routine and have noticed a huge difference in my strength. That's because the exercises involve using momentum, acceleration, and deceleration instead of static movements. For details on the DVD, read more

Strength Training

You Asked: Kettlebells vs. Dumbbells

Dear Fit, I've always used dumbbells and weight machines for strength training exercises, but at the gym recently, I saw some people using kettlebells.

Dear Fit,
I've always used dumbbells and weight machines for strength training exercises, but at the gym recently, I saw some people using kettlebells. Are they better than dumbbells and why should I use them? Should I switch completely?
— Confused about Kettlebells

This is such a great question. Both kettlebells and dumbbells are great tools for strength training, but they're used in different ways. To find out if one is better than the other, read more