Kettlebell Question

January 8, 2009 on 1:45 pm | In Strength Training | No Comments

I saw your Top 5 Fitness Trends and wanted to know what you think about the Kettlebells.  I see that you use them in your training.  This is something that I am certified to teach as a Strength Coach although I believe they should be used as an “addition” to an already good strength program.  Having said that, I also believe that for the average Joe/Jane, they can be utilized solely and produce great increases in strength.  Your Thoughts? – Victor

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Victor, Thanks for the email and question.  I’ll admit that I just started messing around with kettlebells this year as they became more trendy.  The benefits of kettlebell training is undeniable – shoulder flexbility, grip and forearm strength, endurance, flexbility, etc.  As you said, they should be used within a bigger strength training program and not soley as the program.  I’m speaking primarily from an athlete training angle, and there is no way one style of training can be done to produce an effective athlete.  In my program, you’ll find barbells, sandbags, dumbbells, kettlebells kegs, plyoboxes, tires, thick ropes, maces, GHR’s, power racks, etc, etc.  I would be doing a great disservice to my clients if I only gave them one thing to train with. 

Could I cut kettlebells off of that list and still have a good program? Sure.  But, they are enjoyable and the athletes like to do KB swings primarily during their posterior chain training.   Just like you said, they should be done in addition to a program! 

Now to the second part of your question, the average “Joe/Jane.”  If they like to use kettlebells and get strength and fat loss results from them (which is possible), then it could be a program focus.  However, I prefer to focus on trying to turn athletes into freaks!

In the fitness communtity there are often large swings one way or another.  Too many people think there is one ultimate solution.  When the newest training tool (or in this case an older training tool gaining popularity) hits the market they eat it up.  After awhile, people realize its a good instrument to include, and then the industury corrects itself back to the center. 

Thanks for the question! 

-J. HASHEY, CSCS-