5 Reasons Everyone Should Try A Kettlebell Workout

That cannonball shaped weight with a handle attached, that’s a kettlebell.

Say it with me, kettleBELL — not kettleBALL.

Maybe you’ve seen them on the shelf at Wal-Mart. Or on the Biggest loser. Look around the gym you attend. There’s a good chance a kettlebell is nearby.

You’ve thought about using it. Picked it up. Toyed around. You weren’t really sure what to do. Or maybe you’re too scared to try. They're kind of intimidating — all black and cast iron.

Don’t fear! Kettlebells are nothing to be afraid of. They’re actually very lovable, if not the weight itself, then the results you’ll get from training with it. You’ll be head over heels for those.

If you’re still not convinced, here are 5 reasons to try kettlebell training:

1. It’s for everyone.

Those new to exercise or just getting back into a routine can use kettlebells to add resistance to basic movements like the squat or the deadlift. Veteran exercisers have their work cut out for them. Moves like the clean and press with a kettlebell will challenge the fittest among us.

2. It's a timesaver.

Kettlebell training has been proven to burn upward of 20 calories per minute. That’s like running a six-minute mile or cross-country skiing uphill. Skip that stuff. Stick with shorter, high-intensity kettlebell workouts instead.

3. It makes you strong, not bulky.

Strength training get’s a bad rep. It gets left out of the weight loss equation. We think, I want to be toned, not bulky. Perfect! Get a kettlebell. You’ll be building lean, powerful muscle instead of bulking up. Every workout is a total body workout, training all of the major muscle groups using functional movements, not isolated exercises.

4. It combines strength and cardio.

The reason that kettlebell training works is because it combines strength and cardio in one workout. You’re muscles are working hard, but so are your lungs and heart. You’ll be training for strength and for endurance, and revving up your metabolism for hours after each workout.

5. It's better than everything else.

I’m not just saying that — it’s science. Research has shown that kettlebells provide a much higher-intensity workout than standard weight-training routines and offer superior results in a short amount of time. See, told you so!

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

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