In gyms across the nation, those eager to get in shape are opting to engage in some form of kettlebell training.  Kettlebells are strength training aids shaped like iron bowling balls with handles. repsfbxcontinuous

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These  iron balls come in a number of different sizes ranging from 2lbs to 100lbs or greater.  They have been used for decades by Russian athletes for athletic conditioning and building functional strength.  Because of their ability to produce amazing results, kettlebells have been recently introduced into a number of fitness routines here in America.

Kettlebell workouts are highly effective at helping individuals of any age, size, or fitness level meet their goals.  Once you start a kettlebell program, you can look forward to a number of benefits, including the following:

1. A Full Body Workout in Minimal Time
   Kettlebell workouts require you to engage your entire body, including your brain.  You have to push, pull, and swing the kettlebell while maintaining full control.  As this upper body coordination takes place, you are usually squatting or lunging in place or moving from left to right and front to back.  This allows you to consolidate your workouts because you are combining strength training and cardio all in the same session.
2. Firmer Glutes and Sexier Legs
   Typicall kettlebell workouts usually include lunges and squats.  These lower-body movements usually persist throughout the entire workout.  The result is a firm derrier and shapely legs.
3. Improved Posture
   The constant motion of lifting and pulling the kettlebells works all of the major muscles in the back.  Stronger back muscles give you the ability to maintain better posture throughout the day.  Better posture means you look taller and leaner.
4. Optimal Fat burning
   Swinging the weight of the kettlebells for a sustained period of time provides you with a high intensity cardio workout.  High intensity cardio workouts significantly boost your metabolism and burn loads of fat.
5. An Increase in Your Resting Metabolism
   The resistance created by the kettlebells builds lean muscle mass.  The more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolism will be (BMR and RMR).  Your resting metabolism determines how many calories you burn while you are inactive - sitting, sleeping, watching television, etc.
6. More Toned Abs
   Throughout a kettlebell workout, you must squeeze your abdominals to protect your lower back.  This gives you an abdominal workout that is more intense than your basic ab crunches.  The result is a flatter tummy.
7. A Slimmer Waist
   Your waistline not only includes the muscles in your stomach and obliques, but also consists of the muscles in your back.  All of these muscles are thoroughly worked during kettlebell workout sessions.  When these muscles are toned, they help to create a natural girdle for the waistline, drawing it inward.  A smaller waist is aesthetically pleasing and more importantly, it reduces your risk for certain diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
8. Improved Agility
   High speed, controlled movements are a component of most kettlebell workouts.  These weighted, fast paced motions improve strength and agility.
9. More Defined Shoulders and Arms
   The fundamental exercises used in a kettlebell workout completely engage the shoulder and the arms.  This sustained upper body effort melts away body fat.  A reduction in body fat and an increase in lean muscle mass creates muscle definition.  This definition will be evident in both your shoulders and arms.
10. A Stimulation of Human Growth Hormone
    Human growth hormone (HGH) is a substance that our body naturally produces but it tends to diminish as we get older.   The completion of a kettlebell routine results in the stimulation of human growth hormone.  This increase in HGH boosts energy levels, improves mental health, aids in the development of lean body mass, and help the metabolism run more efficiently.

To get a better visual of what a kettlebell workout entails, you can watch this video.

More Kettlebell Resources

Instructional Videos:

• Enter the Kettlebell! Strength Secret of the Soviet Supermen
• Encyclopedia Of Kettlebell Lifting Series 1 - The Ultimate Instructional DVD Series On Kettlebells And The Definitive Russian Kettlebell Resource
• The Kettlebell Goddess Workout: How to Achieve and Maintain a Divine Body with the World’s Most Effective Tool for Weight Loss, Strength, Endurance and Flexibility

Purchase Equipment:

• Amazon.com
• BigFitness.com