KettleBell Workouts for Weight Loss


                                                       

Kettlebell Set

When you are trying to lose weight, it can be easy to get bored at the gym. The good news is that you can combine cardio with weight lifting to speed up your workouts and fat loss. One of the best pieces of equipment you can use is the kettlebell. Kettlebells may seem intimidating but anyone can use them. Here are four kettlebell exercises you can do to lose weight.

Kettlebell Swing
This classic kettlebell exercise will get your heart rate up and work your entire body. Begin with your feet hip width apart and get into a squat position, placing the kettlebell between your legs. As you stand up, swing the kettlebell up until your arms are parallel with the floor. Swing the kettlebell back down between your legs as you squat back down. You can up the intensity by using only one arm, but make sure you are using a weight you can control. If this move is too intense, simply do goblet squats. Keep your chest up and put all of your weight in your heels as you squat. Hold the kettlebell close to your chest, with your elbows bent. As you get stronger, you can begin swinging!


Kettlebell weights

Kettlebell Deadlifts (Regular and Single Leg)
Deadlifts are a great lower body workout that often get overlooked for squats. For a traditional kettlebell deadlift, stand with feet hip width apart and slightly bend your knees. Bend at the waist while lowering the kettlebell down to the ground. Keep it close to your thighs and shins. Stand all the way back up for one rep. For a single leg deadlift, you will do the same move, but with one leg extended behind you. Hold the kettlebell on the same side as the leg that is planted on the ground. This is a great way to build strength and balance. Just be sure you are keeping your back straight and can control the movement. If you need to hold onto something for balance at the beginning, that is okay!

Turkish Get Up
This is an exercise that might feel a little silly but will work your entire body. Begin by laying on your back with your right hand holding the kettlebell high into the air. Your left arm is on the ground and your right knee is bent with your foot flat on the floor. Using your left arm and right leg, raise yourself up until you are standing, keeping your eye on the kettlebell the entire time. The beginning motion will feel like a reverse plank or flip dog pose in yoga. After you are standing, reverse the process until you again laying back on the ground. This exercise takes a bit of coordination, so take your time in the beginning. Make sure to do both sides so you work your body evenly.

The Windmill
This exercise will work your arms and core muscles, especially your obliques. Stand with your feet wider than hip width apart and turn your right toes out while holding the kettlebell in your right hand. Raise your left hand above you and keep your eyes on that hand. Shift your hips to the left and slowly bend your body towards your right side with the kettlebell almost touching your toes. You can increase the intensity by holding a kettlebell in both hands. Make sure to work both sides of your body evenly and do not shift you weight back into your heels. You want to stay as flat as possible.


Kettlebell Rack

Working with kettlebells is a great way to combine cardio and strength training. You will burn more fat and boost your metabolism by doing these exercises. Remember to start with a relatively light kettlebell that you can control. As you progress, you will switch to heavier kettlebells. You will be strong and lean in no time!

Written by Lillian Bauer a professional Physio and who has completed 3 full marathons, 13 half marathons and several 10K and 5k's. 

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