WHICH KETTLEBELL SHOULD YOU CHOOSE

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WHICH KETTLEBELL SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Kettlebell can be a ‘King’ in the gym-if you use to its fullest potential

The inclusion of Kettlebell workouts in gyms has become a rage since the past few years. Many gyms across India now implement Kettlebell workouts as strength and conditioning programs for members. They are also being used as rehab or cardio workouts or as a strength routine;hence it becomes all the more important for gym owners and trainers to educate themselves well about the right products in this range.

Many personal training studios use non-standard Kettlebells to save cost, which eventually turns out to be less than best. In the absence of correct equipment the workout too gets hampered. But by studying and upgrading your info about Kettlebells, one can learn the right ways of using them, correct the negative notions, and turn them into exceptionally useful workout equipment. As compared to big barbells, Kettlebells come in very handy in a small studio kind of setup, due to their compact design.

This article highlights different types of Kettlebells available in the market and the prudent choiceto be made.

Kettlebells come in different sizes and material, but are predominantly differentiated as casting and competition bells.

Casting Kettlebells

Casting bells are standard Kettlebells, which are easily available in different sizes &dimensions. The heavier the Kettlebell, the larger it is; the lighter the Kettlebell, the smaller it is and there is also a difference in the handle diameter and width.
Casting Kettlebells that are rubber coated are not recommended for long term usage, as the rubber on the handle causes step on the Kettlebell. This can bruise the wrists while doing Kettlebell cleans and can be verypainful. Apart from the rubber, repetitive reps (while doing cleans) produce heat due to friction with your shirt (while you rack), and cause bruises on the shoulders.

Steel handle Kettlebells

These Kettlebells don’t have grooves on the handle, which tends to get in the way ofa good grip. Also the rubber on the Kettlebell causes ‘step’, which hurts the wristswhile lifting. Hence these Kettlebells too are not very useful fora good lifting experience.

Flat shape Kettlebells

Flat shaped Kettlebells look very fancy but they are not really great for lifting. The flawed design is cumbersome and creates edges (between handle and cannon ball), which again hurts the wrist while doing ‘cleans’. They are good for swings, but then Kettlebells aren’t solely meant for swings.

Plastic Kettlebells

Plastic bells are non-standard Kettlebell sand do not suffice the basic need,due to the absurd design.Handle diameter throughout the length varies and the plastic material does not absorb palm sweat. Due to high probability of injuries, plastic Kettlebells are not recommended for training.

Professional grade competition Kettlebells

In Competition Kettlebells the dimensions are identical across the different weights. A12 kg Kettlebell is the exactly the same size and shape, as the 32 kg or a Kettlebell of any other weight. The colour of a Kettlebell is indicativeof its weight, i.e… A16kg bell is yellow, 12kg is blue, 8kg is pink, and so on. These are internationally followed standardized colour codes.
To maximize your results and to achieve a high level in any physical activity or sport, you need a fixed standard in your equipment.There’s a reason why a basketball remains the same, whether you are playing it professionally or for leisure.Imagine how hard it would be to learn and practice a sport like basketball or golf, if the ball size was different every time you played. That’s why the equipment used in all major sports is standardized, including Kettlebell training, whether it is a professional competition or regular workout.
As your skill with the Competition Kettlebell improves, you are able to lift heavier weights. The consistency in the size and shape of the Kettlebell allows you to quickly learn and master the art of holding and resting it against your body (in rack).
When you use a cast iron Kettlebell, your body alignment and technique differs according to the weights, size and shape. In order to improve in your Kettlebell training and maximize the results, you need to practice hundreds of repetitions of each basic Kettlebell exercise, while maintaining the same lifting technique and alignment. This principle continues to apply as you gradually upgrade to heavier weight, as the CNS is adapting itself for the increased poundage. Hence Competition Kettlebells are the preferred choice while lifting heavy, and also to improve strength & endurance capacity.
Last but not the least – ifyour personal trainer is not a certified Kettlebell instructor, then he will not know the benefits of Kettlebell and mislead you into buying cheap or non-standard Kettlebells.
Get yourself a certified Kettlebell Instructor!