The Kettlebell Can Do More than Bodybuilding

Functional Strength training is the way to go–from swinging to carrying to even throwing! These primal movements improve the overall health and strength of the individual.  

Kettlebells have been around for centuries, from ancient Eastern civilizations to Western farmers swinging cowbells to pass the time. Functional fitness is ideal for one’s health and overall performance, whether it is in competition or just day-to-day activities.

 “Strength training is critical, not just for looking good and being strong, but for preventing the diseases of aging,” Dr. Gabrielle Lyon says.

Kettlebells allow the body to move fluidly and develop functional strength for day-to-day tasks.

Pavel Tsatouline, a famous Russian strength coach who re-introduced Americans to the kettlebell with Russian special forces strength training, wrote a book in 2006  titled Enter the Kettlebell. In Enter the Kettlebell, Pavel mentions that the goal of functional fitness with the kettlebell is to press half your body weight. Once you do that, you have “the right of passage.”

Pavel introduces a concept called “the swing.” The swing is optimal for people of all fitness goals.

Chris Kolba, of Ohio State University’s Medical Center, wrote, “The kettlebell swing is a great way to increase heart rate and burn calories. It’s been used often as an exercise to improve cardiovascular health and shed those unwanted pounds.”

Fleetwood students are encouraged to look into their local YMCA or weight room to start Kettlebell training.