Just like having the right tool for the job makes home improvement projects a cinch having the right exercise equipment for the job makes getting and staying in shape simple. I have previously discussed cost effective ways of building a home gym now I would like to discuss the icing on the cake when it comes to putting together a versatile home gym.
The old Russian or Eastern European, depending on who you listen to, kettle bell is a fabulous piece of equipment and has virtually unlimited possibilities. Nearly all traditional kettle bell exercises focus on whole body movements which burn more calories, teach your body proper movement patterns, and strengthen your core.
These pieces of exercise equipment will last your whole life and could very well be willed to great grand children. It is hard to break iron and if you can do it you are a better man than me.
Kettle bells can be used in strength or cardiovascular routines or even a combination. What is certain is that when you complete a workout with these pieces of equipment you will know it the next day and probably the day after that as well.
There are a couple of simple movements that are the corner stone be bell workouts. They are the swings, and the lifts off the floor. Swings allow you to maximize your power output which is really a better judge of overall strength than static lifts. True athleticism is based on things like acceleration, agility, jump height, and speed. These dynamic movements do not translate well to static lifts but the translate fabulously to swings. You must generate an enormous amount of power on the up swing as well as the power to control the inertial of a piece of steel flying through the air.
Sometimes old school is the best new school. The old eastern block had something right when they started training with these things years ago. Be wary of your budget when purchasing kettle bells, they are not cheap, consider buying one at a time or finding them for sale second hand. Like I said they never wear out but plenty of people buy them with great intentions then let them collect dust for year.
If they are outside your price point don’t be too disappointed nearly all of the movements and exercises can be duplicated with normal dumbbells. Some of them may be a little more difficult but like anything else, practice makes perfect. Take the time to get the right pieces of exercise equipment and your body will thank you for years to come.