Kettlebells were originally invented as a counterweight to measure goods, but in the hands of bored villagers transformed into a way to measure strength. Now they are a common apparatus left to rust on a rack in the gym, with their only real use being in fitness influencer’s videos. We’ve all met that one person who is a kettlebell fanatic, but what are they really going on about? Can swinging this metal ball attached to a handle really be an effective workout? Is it safe?
Well, it depends.
At first glance, nothing seems inherently safe about the practice of kettlebell exercises. How can this person swing this moderately heavy weight around themselves with such reckless abandon and not instantly shatter their spine? Is the potential risk of this exercise worth any kind of strength gain they would receive?
Everything I’d seen on the subject of kettlebells flashed bright warning signs and promises of imminent back injury, or so at least I thought. It turns out kettlebells are an effective and quite grueling exercise when done safely. The movements performed with these kettlebells require deft motion, and I definitely realized I should start light with these. I began picking the lonely kettlebell up from it’s resting spot next to the dumbbell now on my trips to the gym.
It wasn’t easy learning the kettlebell, but over time my skill grew. I would pick a sensible weight and swing in a controlled motion. As stated earlier, the combination of cardio and strength training these kettlebells give is unmatched. Nothing can get me feeling the burn quite like kettlebell exercises can.
The key is to take it slow, start with light weight, and don’t overdo it. Kettlebell exercises are not as simple as they look and should be respected. I would compare them to a light version of olympic weightlifting, and you don’t see practictioners of that sport swinging wildly. Everything is measured, focus is the main goal.