Successful personal trainers have one thing in common – they are always wanting to go above and beyond for their clients. Working within an ever-changing and evolving industry, personal trainers need to keep abreast of new and innovative fitness techniques to ensure they are providing their clients with the most comprehensive advice and guidance available.
As such, it is great to mix up exercises, equipment and processes in order to challenge the regular gym goer. Trainers will appreciate that different clients have varying training needs; some enjoy the uniformity of routine whilst others get bored easily and require continuous diversity in their workouts. As a fitness professional, it is your job to be well-informed of new and dynamic equipment and exercises to help keep clients on track.
In this first product focus article, we will look at kettlebells.
What are kettlebells?
As the name suggests, kettlebells are cast iron balls that are in the shape of a traditional kettle. The balls feature a large handle which can be gripped by either one or two hands. Of course, kettlebells come in various weights as well.
One of the many misconceptions around kettlebells is that they are another version of a dumbbell. However, since the weight of a kettlebell is not distributed evenly across its shape like a dumbbell is, it offers a point of difference at the gym and can be used in a number of new ways.
Common kettlebell exercises
As kettlebells can support cardio, strength and flexibility requirements at the same time, there are literally hundreds of different exercises to show your clients. Some of the more simple include the Russian Kettlebell Swing and Single-Arm Kettlebell Swing.
These are where clients swing the kettlebell with either one arm or two between their legs and back up to a holding position. This simple exercise works the back, hips, glutes, legs and shoulders – all in one motion.
A kettlebell could also be used during traditional exercise such as squats and push-ups where another level of resistance and balance training is added.
Benefits of kettlebell exercises
One of the main physiological benefits is the development of power through the acceleration and deceleration of the kettlebell throughout the range of movement.
The kettlebell handle lets the hand hold it loosely so that the bell can float and swing outward, providing more momentum for both the upward and downward swings.
The increased range of motion will improve flexibility as well as improve the strength of deeper stabilising muscles.
Take our Fundamentals of Kettlebell Training short course to learn more!