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  Strength Training with Kettlebells - A Handheld Gym to Enhance Athletic Performance- What are kettlebells? A ‘kettlebell’ or girya (Russ.) is a traditional Russian cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle. Kettlebells have been used in Russia since the early 1700’s. Kettlebells are used in varying weights for ballistic exercises as well as non-ballistics such as pressing and deadlifting.
- Why use kettlebells for athletic training? Regular use of kettlebells develops sustained strength - the type of strength that makes itself available over and extended period of time - particularly pertinent for those in endurance sports. Kettlebells provide a cardiovascular dimension to a strength training workout with the potential to not only maximize strength, but to increase VO2Max - the maximum amount of oxygen that can be utilized by the body in an all-out exhaustive effort.
- The object of weight training is to trigger muscle growth. The object of aerobic exercise to to burn fat and increase cardio capacity. Kettlebells have shown the ability to bring the two together for improved muscle mass, reduced body fat, increased strength, endurance, speed, and agility. -Marty Gallagher, Washingtonpost.com, February 2003
- Why does it work? Kettlebells work to increase performance because they close the gap between the disciplines of strength training and aerobic training. Users handle significant poundage throughout the duration of their workout session in a way that both increases strength and cardiovascular capacity. The unique nature of this combination allows the heart muscle to not only grow, but increase its work capacity in a way that almost always leads to improvements in performance. -Marty Gallagher, Washingtonpost.com, February 2003
Are you ready to give it a try? Click on the links to the left to sign up for the Kettlebell Basics Workshop with Geoff Neupert, or contact me to arrange classes or one-on-one training! Kate Lavanga, RKC Certified Kettlebell Instructor 202-288-0431 |
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