Kettlebells are a popular way to get in a great workout at a gym or in your own home. They are similar to free weights, as in they are made cast with heavy iron, but they are more versatile and easy to use for most people.
Kettlebells look a cannonball with a handle attached that allows you to raise, lower and swing the bell in order to work your muscles. If you use them properly, kettlebells can give as good of a workout as any other equipment. Here’s a quick guide to these weights and how to use them safely and effectively.
Have Room to Move
One of the best things about using kettlebells is that you can use them in your own home. They are fairly cheap and very versatile that are a great addition to any home gym. But if you use them, you need to make sure that you have enough room to do so properly.
You want to have enough space to where you can stretch your arms out to both sides comfortable without hitting anything. This will allow you to do any exercises you would like to without interference from any other objects or people.
Also, make sure that the floor you are on is strong enough to withstand the impact of a dropped kettlebell. If you do the exercises correctly, you shouldn’t have to worry about dropping one, but it’s a good precaution to have in case it happens.
Warm Up Before Using Kettlebells
As with any intense workout, you want to warm up before you start exercising with kettlebells. They can be very heavy and by stretching and getting your body warmed up, you will help to prevent any stains or other injuries.
You can do some cardiovascular exercises or some classic exercises like push-ups or sit-ups to get yourself acclimated to working out. You can even use some of the lighter kettlebells if you want. They key is to get your heart pumping and your muscles ready for the workout ahead. This way, you will be less likely to pull any muscles.
You should also take the time to “cool down” after using the kettlebells so your body can become acclimated to normalcy once again slowly.
Use Correct Form
Before using kettlebells, make sure that you understand the proper form and posture you should have while exercising.
If you feel that your form is starting to go during your workout, you may be working too hard for your body to respond correctly. Ease up on the routine for a few days and you should be able to get back into the right form in no time. If you fail to use the correct forms and postures, then you run the risk of hurting yourself, which can have serious consequences in the long run.
If you’re looking for a different way to exercise, why not give kettlebells a try?
