HT City

Level up your full body workout with kettlebell

- Grace Bains

Originated in Russia and now popular globally, kettlebell­s are cast-iron weights ranging from 2kgs to over 50kgs. These weights are shaped like a ball with a handle for easy grip. Kettlebell­s facilitate a broad range of dynamic movements that help develop endurance, strength, balance, and agility. One can hold the kettlebell using one or both hands and perform a variety of exercises, ranging from goblet squats, lunge press to the Russian twist.

So, to implore you to include kettlebell in your workout, we present five advantages of using this exercise equipment in your fitness regime:

1. BURNS CALORIES QUICKLY

This equipment requires practising ballistic movements that combine strength, cardio, and flexibilit­y training, hence providing a fullbody workout. Kettlebell­s give resistance through their weight, thereby helping you build strength and hitting your cardio goals. The dynamism also improves your range of motions and burns fat. A study by the American Council on Exercise observed that on average, a person could burn around 20 calories per minute during a standard kettlebell workout.

2. IMPROVES FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH

Kettlebell exercises engage multiple muscle groups that supplement movements in everyday tasks that require core and back strength. The fluid swinging movements required while using this equipment helps with aligning posture and improving balance.

3. PROTECTS AGAINST BACK INJURIES

Kettlebell exercises train the body in eccentric decelerati­on, leading to a healthier and stronger body that can ward off injuries. Several back related injuries can be avoided using kettlebell swings as

A STUDY BY THE AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EXERCISE FOUND THAT ONE COULD BURN AROUND 20 CALORIES PER MINUTE DURING A STANDARD KETTLEBELL WORKOUT they increase one’s lower back strength, thereby enhancing the body’s ability to effectivel­y respond to an outside force colliding with it.

4. COMPACT AND PORTABLE

Kettlebell­s are small and just two of them are enough for training the entire body. Their size and shape make them easy to store and carry along if required.

5. ADDS VARIETY TO WORKOUTS

A kettlebell can be used to perform a wide range of movements targeting every muscle group. A typical kettlebell workout consist of swings, twists and pulls — movements that are missing in other forms of workouts. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that various movements require you to change the weight from one hand to another as you swing the kettlebell or move laterally.

A kettlebell can make your workout dynamic and swift.

 ?? PHOTO: SHUTTERSTO­CK (IMAGE FOR REPRESENTA­TION AL PURPOSE ONLY) ?? #healthshot­s
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTO­CK (IMAGE FOR REPRESENTA­TION AL PURPOSE ONLY) #healthshot­s
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