Kettlebells training in Brighton
Kettle’s on! Latest 7 looks at the benefits of kettlebells training for improved health & fitness
Kettlebells training has taken off in western society over the last few years. The stereotypical image of a heavy muscled Russian (with moustache, of course) lifting weights is no more. Celebrity fans have made kettlebells cool, and training classes and bootcamps have made kettlebells a fun and effective form of exercise. Jennifer Lopez, Katherine Heigl and Matthew McConaughey are among the stars loving kettlebells right now and have you seen how toned these three are looking?!
Celeb endorsements aside, it’s time to jump on the kettlebells bandwagon and see what all the fuss is about.
Two years ago, you probably would have received a blank look if you were asked what kettlebells were. Today, the bowling ball-sized cast iron weights are making waves on the fitness front. Why? Because it offers a whole-body workout, building both strength and stability.
What makes kettlebells so great?
Unlike regular weight training in gyms, kettlebells focus on fast movement as opposed to slow and controlled lifts. As a result, kettlebells work your fast twitch muscle fibres. Fast twitch muscle fibres? Come again.
Put as simply as possible, we have fast twitch muscle fibres and slow twitch muscle fibres in our body. As the name suggests, fast twitch fibres contract quickly and produce more power. These fibres are activated through kettlebells training, which uses speed and strength, rather than the slow and controlled movements of regular weight training exercises. So kettlebells are extremely effective at working all the muscles in a short period of time, and can help your core.
“The stereotypical image of a heavy muscled Russian lifting weights is no more”
“Because you are using so many muscle groups, the energy demands of kettlebell exercises are much greater than conventional gym exercises,” says Christian Vila of Brighton Kettlebells.
Kettlebell training
So, you’re sold on kettlebells, but need to find the right one for you and know what to do with one for maximum effect. A class is essential, as here a trainer will match you to the right weight kettlebell (it really is an individual thing) and take you through a series of exercises to strengthen and tone the whole body. Christian Vila teaches beginner classes to advanced and even holds regular weightloss bootcamps incorporating kettlebell training.
“All ages can try kettlebell training as they range from 4kg to 40kg. We have all ages from 16 to 60 years olds attending our classes,” he says.
Get in the swing and you may have found a new exercise regime for life.The kettlebell swing is the essential exercise to master first. It is great for working the hips, legs and arms. A kettlebell workout is unparalleled as it takes endurance, strengthening and cardiovascular training to new heights: “Kettlebell training is one of the most effective and exciting ways to train,” says Christian. “It will burn fat; make you very fit, flexible and super-strong in a short time. Kettlebell teaches us how to use our bodies better, as one unit. All the moves are ground-based, and get you back on your feet, away from machines or benches.” Start small and see what you can achieve.
Brighton Kettlebells with Christian Vila: 07876 558 850 www.brightonkettlebells.co.uk
