This is going to be an article written purely from my imagination – written without consulting any experts or recognized sources. So that is why I have called it ‘Part 1’. Because undoubtedly someone is going to pick holes in it and I’ll have to write a new one. Saving myself embarrassment – ha!
Anyway – what are they?
No, its not a bell that you stick on your kettle. That would just be weird. It’s a big heavy iron ball with a thick handle, also iron, on top. I say on top because the underside of the ball is flattened so it wont roll everywhere. At least my one is.
So now we know what it looks like… what is its purpose?
Well I use mine for squashing bugs that I find in my dark and dingy basement I call home. Except that is not the preliminary purpose of them… I actually swing them around my head and lift them up and down quite a few times. Its called a workout and using these things really makes you work out why you want to actually workout. Mine weigh 12kg each and boy am I sore afterwards. I don’t think you’re supposed to be this sore, but hey I’ve just got these darn things and its quite refreshing to follow a kettlebell workout and actually use a kettlebell, not a dumbbell!
But why do people want to do this to themselves?
Good question. I’m not quite sure why I do to be honest… but deeper than honestly I know its good for me. Why is weight lifting good? Cos it builds muscles. Ok so girls these days gripe about muscle and how masculine it looks. Newsflash: it’s hard for guys to build muscle – take a look around – we have WAY less testosterone than they, so it’s even harder for us gals. Second Newsflash: muscle burns fat. The more muscle you have, the more fat you burn – even when sitting still. Another reason why weightlifting is good for girls – it strengthens bones. These days females consume much less calcium than they ought, resulting in something that used to be left for the oldies called osteoporosis. However its not just something for the oldies anymore – younguns can also get it. So, while you should also absorb more calcium, lift weights! It strengthens your bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and bone degeneration.
Where did I get these ideas from?
Well I first saw a kettlebell at a camp I was on – some guy brought one with him and swore it was his only piece of equipment – yet it was a full gym. Hubby was intrigued and checked it out online. www.mikemahler.com has a heck of a lot of information. We eventually discovered cheap places to buy them and are now both working with kettlebells.
Burning question – does it work?
While some say ‘Oh never say that kettlebells are the be-all-end-all of working out’… that in a sense is true – but there are ways to use the kb’s to absolutely maximize the potential of an optimum workout. For me – yes it works! As soon as I start using the things my posture straightens out, I stand taller, I feel more confident – and I realize I do still have muscles lurking beneath. Yes, it can cause pain, but no pain no gain right?
{ 0 comments… add one now }