All-Purpose Kettlebells

Body, Mind & Discipline

Efficiency comes easier to older people like me.  Once you turn fifty, you hate to waste time when you know that your personal supply is starting to run out. There is a sense of urgency when it comes to being healthy in body and mind.  Anything that can accomplish both and do it quickly is welcome. I have found kettlebell workouts to do just that.

I have read that kettlebells were invented in Russia and used as measuring weights in street markets. They look like cannonballs with handles. Given that kettlebell exercises have long been popular with the Russian soldiers, I prefer to think that some enterprising soldier just welded together some old cannonballs and discarded horseshoes.  Now that’s tough.

What do kettlebells do for your body?

• The strength you develop can be transferred to daily tasks. The swings involve moving the kettlebells in several directions and under control. It translates well to moving household items and doing yard work. Pressing the kettlebells can build brute strength if you desire it.

• Kettlebell training requires good posture and balance. The swings and the presses build leg strength and improve flexibility in the knee and hip areas.

• Kettlebells come in many sizes, so your starting point just needs to make sense for your current fitness level. You should get stronger over time.

• The kettlebell workouts are typically short in duration but physically demanding.  There is very little wasted time.

Better Mind & Discipline With Kettlebells

• You cannot have sloppy exercise habits and expect to have a successful kettlebell routine. Bad form can cause you immediate discomfort.

• Staying focused during your kettlebell workouts will do wonders for your concentration.

• As you build your strength, balance and flexibility, you may find your overall confidence increasing. Don’t be surprised if you start looking forward to the kettlebell workouts.

Kettlebell Cautions

• Keep your distance from others when doing a kettlebell workout. I have no doubt that swinging kettlebells can crack open someone’s head.

• Invest in some weightlifting gloves. I had a nice crop of blisters from the kettlebells before I got smart.

• Do not forget to check above you for low ceilings. Kettlebells smash drywall, too.

• Start your initial kettlebell workouts with light weights so that you can master your form early. Falling to your knees with back pain can be quite humbling.

• If you are older like me, consider using lighter weights and doing more reps. I find that it’s easier on the joints, builds leaner muscle and improves flexibility. My kettlebell routine lasts about 20-22 minutes and I alternate exercises with little or no rest between sets.

• Be really sure that you should try this. Ask your doctor or health expert if it’s okay.

Getting Started

Please view the video by Steve Cotter on this page. It’s very good.

You will find some good links to kettlebell products on this article page. If you decide to try kettlebells, I recommend getting a good instructional video that focuses on safe technique.

Del Vogel
June 2010