Kettlebells – my new in-thing
By Sarah H.
Kettlebells – my new in-thing
Some people devote huge chunks of their lives to exercise and strict fitness regimes. For the rest of us mere mortals, a regular routine of healthy exercise combined with a sensible diet is sufficient. Finding the right diet is an achievement in itself – people react in all different ways to food. Choosing an exercise plan is no different. I have been on the fitness merry-go-round for years. When those first tell-tale signs of weight gain present their ugly little faces, the desire to start taking more care of oneself can become an avid pursuit.
I bounced on trampolines, ran, did laps, and spent hours (and many dollars) at the gym on some frightening looking apparatus. Not to say that these weren’t suitable ways to keep fit, many people find the gym ideal for their fitness needs. My husband, who in recent years has been taking note of his advancing weight, spent an evening with his buddies at a private gym some months back. There he was shown a fitness technique that has stood the test of time for over 2000 years.
The Kettlebell
Not exactly an inspiring name but a very inspiring product. This uniquely shaped lifting weight can be bought for a very reasonable $30-$50. They don’t wear out and can be used anywhere indoor and outdoor. Just a small space is sufficient, room to swing the arms around the body and above the head is enough.
My hubbie’s gym pals use weights of 50lb and upward! Larger weights are more associated with body builders. For those of us that don’t want muscles that make our cup-sizes look small, the lighter Kettlebells are more suitable – my idea of training is to get fit and look good, not to beat my gal-pals at arm-wrestling! So I have ditched all my fancy routines and lung bursting laps. No longer will I strap myself into a girdle to prevent my trampoline routine from becoming a daily source of amusement for the neighbor’s kids. Instead, I stay in my nice cozy home, put on some music and go through my kettlebell routine.
Depending on my fitness ambition for that day, the music will reflect my rate of exercise. If I don’t feel up to a heavy workout, I use a 10lb Kettlebell and some gentle music to guide my exercise movements. The morning after a day of indulgent eating, I might well put on some more energetic music and expand my Kettlebell workout. Either way I make it a regular and very enjoyable daily effort. After only a month or so I already notice that I am more flexible and have improved strength, stamina and overall fitness. Those simple but effectively –shaped weights have really changed my approach to fitness – I can see me using them long after the paint wears off and I highly recommend a kettlebell workout to women everywhere!
Guest post by: Sarah Leonard of Fatty Weight Loss where you can calculate how much physical activity you need daily to lose weight with our desired weight calculator.
