Have you ever been at the gym and noticed someone swinging a round piece of metal with a handle. Maybe you’ve been curious about this type of training and you’d like to learn more?

Here are the answers to five kettlebell questions that will help you get to know more about this odd-shaped object, as well as how you might incorporate it into your fitness program:

What is a kettlebell anyway?

A kettlebell has a weird shape. It kind of looks like something you’d shoot out of a cannon, but it has a handle. The handle allows you to hold the kettlebell with either one or both hands, or even switch hands during a movement. Kettlebells vary in weight from two pounds up to over 100 pounds.

How effective is a kettlebell workout?

Most kettlebell movements recruit multiple muscle groups making it a total body workout. Common exercises like kettlebell swings, lunges, and presses will get your heart rate up and provide a high-intensity workout.

Will I build strength or endurance with a kettlebell?

Both! Depending on how a kettlebell workout is structured, you can focus on either strength or endurance. Plus, most kettlebell movements are dynamic and must be done with speed and power.

Can’t I just use a dumbbell?

The odd shape of a kettlebell is intentional as it creates an abnormal center of gravity. This unusual weight distribution means that you must use your core to stabilize yourself through kettlebell movements. A dumbbell can be a good substitution for a kettlebell. However, its center of gravity is inside of your hand (instead of outside of it) and will not challenge your body as much as a kettlebell.

Where can I do a kettlebell workout?

The great thing about a kettlebell is that it is relatively small and portable. You can take a kettlebell pretty much anywhere, outside or inside, and get in a great workout.

Like any strength training movement, performing a kettlebell exercise incorrectly increases your risk for injury. So if you’re new to kettlebell training (or if you’re getting back into it), make sure that you learn and practice the basics with someone who has experience. Start with lighter weights until you are more comfortable with the movements, and then gradually increase your kettlebell weight.

At Future Proof Movement, we incorporate kettlebell movements into our workouts. To get started, contact us today.