Kettlebells - The New Craze in Fitness

A 'kettlebell' is a traditional Russian cast iron weight with a rubber base that resembles a cannonball with a handle. They are used by the Russian military for their basic physical training. Unlike conventional weights such as dumbbells and barbells the centre of mass of the kettleball is below the hand completely changing the dynamics of exercises. Kettleballs range in weight from about 4 to 32 kg and provide a whole-body workout and give that extra edge to traditional exercises such as squats and lunges.

They are being branded as the ultimate fitness tool and are being endorsed by celebrity personal trainers and clients alike. An article in the Daily Mail last year reported on their popularity in America. They are slowly gaining recognition among fitness professionals in the UK and more trainers are incorporating kettleball exercises into their programmes. Gyms and health clubs are slow to introduce the kettleballs but due to their versatility and relatively low cost (a 12kg ball will cost about £40) they are the ideal home workout tool. It is estimated that 20 to 30 minutes of kettleball training can burn as many calories as 40 minutes of running. Appropriate and effective training will also improve core stability, increase whole-body muscle tone and reduce body fat.

Kettleballs are suitable for all abilities but it is recommended that you get professional advice and instruction before using them for the first time. Poor technique can lead to injury and it is important to learn the basic skills.