The Kettle Bell

The kettle bell is an interesting toy-- weight with a handle.... looks like a bell that should be hanging around a cows neck. Ahhhh, that's what that thing is....... you might have seen this around the gym.

Keep in mind the kettle bell is a tool used for conditioning.

It can be a lot of fun, it can also be a challenge. But there is a lot of hype surrounding this ball of steel. Some only train with the kettle bell; while others ask the question why.

As for me, I like the training tool. I like the explosive movements. I like incorporating the swings, cleans, snatches in a circuit I do in my driveway. But I also like sandbags, suspension activities, mini hurdles, body weight activities and going to the jungle gym at the park and creating a circuit.

There is more than one way to cross the bridge. The question is and should be: is using the kettle bell helping you or hindering you from accomplishing your goal?

In that, whatever tools used for goal achievement must assist in that. So, why use the kettle bell over a dumb bell or an olympic bar? The movement pattern, fun, variety, changing load position changes adaptation. All accomplish similar things, but because the load position is different for each activity, the body's response is different.

For the next eight weeks, I am following a kettle bell circuit. This is like a jump-start for fitness and lifting for me again. I took some time off after injuries and my work-load this fall. I thought this would be a fun way to challenge myself and create some consistency in my programming. (and i have a kettle bell on my floor and can do the program in my driveway!)

I want to remind you, that GIRLS are made to be STRONG! and FIT! and FAST!

Don't be afraid of lifting weights, like a kettle bell. If you don't know how to use one or have never done training before, it is important that you obtain direction in this. It might mean hiring a coach. It might mean taking a class. Your safety is most important.

I will keep you posted on my progress over the next eight-weeks, and the year as I challenge myself and learn new activities.