For those who hope to introduce some variety to the basic workout of jogging and lifting standard weights, kettlebells may be the answer. This type of equipment has been trending up as of late as people look for something completely different from their regular exercise.
However, as with any new kind of workout regimen, the exercise has to be approached the right way. Kettlebells in particular require a whole range of muscles to work in conjunction with one another, and when your entire body gets into the action like that, even a slight mistake could leave you open to an injury.
Don’t force yourself to go through an injury just because you wanted to try something different. A new report takes a look at the simple mistakes that people new to the kettlebell movement tend to make, and by avoiding them, you reduce injury potential and set yourself up to get all that you can from a workout.
First, don’t think that the amount of weight you can lift on a normal set of free weights will automatically transition to the kettlebell. Many people mistakenly use too much weight from the outset, not taking the time to get their form perfect before upping the ante.
In fact, you may start your introduction to kettlebell exercise without even using a kettleball. Start by holding something relatively lightweight the way you would eventually hold the kettlebell, and then work with a personal trainer to get the right motions down. Then, once you know the techniques you’ll need to put into practice, you can graduate to the lightest type of kettlebell and then gradually move up from there.
Just like you shouldn’t increase weight too fast, you don’t want to move too fast either. In fact, a kettlebell workout is most beneficial when you can steadily move the piece of equipment. Oftentimes, moving fast is just an attempt to compensate for an inability to hold onto the bell in one position. Instead, lift how you would stretch. Move slowly, steadily, and with confidence. If you move too fast, you reduce what you achieve from the exercise and you increase the threat of a muscle strain or tear.
This attempt to go too fast may also be the result of an individual forcing their body to conduct as many reps as possible. The truth, though, is that it’s not how much you lift or how often you lift it. A kettlebell workout is all in the movement. Conducting ten reps of a given technique the right way will be far more beneficial than 30 reps that cause your body immense pain.
Finally, make sure to get your whole body involved. Use gravity to your advantage, letting different parts of your body naturally take on the stress as the bell is swung.
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