05 Aug Kettlebells challenging, fun way to get in shape

One way to get more motivated about fitness is to make it more fun by trying new exercises, such as lifting kettlebells like AHF writer Aaron Dorksen is pictured doing.

If you want a fun, challenging way to get into great shape then try lifting kettlebells. They’ll give you an all-in-one cardio and strength training workout.
Training with these cannon-ball like weights with thick handles is an age-old Russian tradition. The Kettlebell can be traced as far back as the early 1700s in Russia.
Popular with U.S. strongmen in the first half of the 20th century, kettlebells have made a huge comeback in this country sparked by the promotions of Pavel Tsatsouline and Valery Fedorenko. The world champions have inspired many others to jump on the bandwagon with their own kettlebell training programs.
Typically kettlebells come in roughly these increments, although different manufactures vary: 18 pounds, 26, 35, 53, 70 and 88, with 88s being for “mutants” Pavel jokes of the strength required to lift the top weight.
Because of the thick handles, kettlebells engage your core muscles much more than traditional dumbbells.
I love the versatility of kettlebells.
You can work major muscle groups with the compound movements required to lift them and they add challenging new twists to exercises such as chest and shoulder presses.
You don’t need a whole gym full of weights if you regularly use kettlebells.
It’s very easy to burn fat because of the added effort required to exercise with kettlebells, which engage your entire body.
It’s good for beginners to work with a trainer or take a kettlebell class to learn the proper technique for this training program.
Start with light weights and get the form down, then when you can do 10-12 reps with relative ease gradually increase the weight.
You might not turn into a Russian strongman lifting kettlebells, but you will almost assuredly get a more muscular, toned body.
At Home Fitness based out of Arizona has a variety of kettlebells for your home gym available in its superstores and online at www.athomefitness.com.

At Home Fitness consultant Aaron Dorksen’s blog deals with a variety of fitness topics, ranging from workout tips, motivational ideas and feature stories on how exercise impacts people’s lives. E-mail him with comments, questions or ideas for future blogs at aaron@athomefitness.com