Getting Stronger with Kettlebells

Despite their history, Kettlebells really are a new fad in the fitness industry, but it works.  When I first started training with Kettlebells I knew I was strong for a female, but when I started learning some Kettlebell specific exercises I really saw the benefit to training with them, and the increase in my strength.

Now of course they do have their time and place in training programs.  For example when I train my deadlift, I’m using a barbell, and I often use dumbbells for exercises as well, but I’ve found a great amount of versatility when using Kettlebells.

When I look back to the days of swinging and snatching an 8kg, I see just how far my strength has come.  Becuase of their increasing popularity, using Kettlebells as a strength training tool for women might just be the ticket we’ve all been looking for to get more women to pick up heavier weights during training.

Sample Kettlebell Circuit

I was honored to present on Kettlebell Training for Fitness & Sport at this weekend’s 3-Day Perform Better Summit in Chicago. Besides getting to hang out with some of best strength coaches in the world I always walk away with mind spinning from so many training discussions.

Here’s a little video sample from my hands on section. We covered alot in one hour and finished off with 2 rounds of this circuit:

More Heavy Kettlebell Snatches

Erica has been kettlebell training with us for a year now and she’s more addicted to kettlebell training than we are…She quickly started using the 16 and 18kg kettlebell and will shortly start using the 24kg kettlebell as her default bell.

Heavy Kettlebell Snatches

Just this week I wrote about creating strong women through kettlebell training…..

It’s not uncommon for our female athletes and clients to use heavier kettlebells then most men in other programs. The standard size for women is our kettlebell training programs is slowly becoming the 24kg kettlebell.

And then…well….we have Pamela MacElree who just keeps getting stronger and lifting heavier kettlebells. Below she hits 2 snatches on her right and 1 on her left with an 80lb kettlebell.

Kettlebell Exercises…Kettlebell Complexes

Kettlebell Complexes string several Kettlebell exercises together to create one smooth flowing set of movement. In this kettlebell complex Barb performs:

• 5 Kettlebell Snatches R/L
• 5 Kettlebell Clean & Jerks R/L
• 5 Kettlebell Swings R/L

And works her way down in reps until she performs 1 rep of each kettlebell exercise. There are many ways to design your kettlebell complexes…this si just a short example.

Kettlebell Exercise…The Kettlebell Gladiator Press

The Kettlebell Gladiator Press is an advanced kettlebell training exercise that’s designed to improve the stability and mobility of your entire shoulder complex.

You should master other kettlebell exercises before attempting the kettlebell Gladiator Press…the Turkish Get-up, Clean & Press and Overhead Squat will help prepare you for the Kettlebell Gladiator Press.