Kettlebells - Are they the best all in one tool?

Why Kettlebells

I’ve worked with kettlebells in Brighton during my personal training sessions for over 25 years. All this time later I still return to them, but the question is why?

After all they’re just a weighted round globe with a handle - aren’t they the same as dumbbells or a barbell? 

Well yes and also no. 

Kettlebells have been around as early as the ancient Greeks, albeit in a different form as ring weights. Depictions of ancient athletes using these ring weights as training tools exist on various pottery although back then men all trained entirely naked - I’m not sure we need to get back to that but the persistence of the ring weight or kettlebell must be down to something.

Kettlebells in my opinion are one of the best training tools you can get for the home. They can be used for all conventional dumbbell based movements, but because of the weight being distributed under the handle it opens up a plethora of other movements not suitable for the dumbbell, such as the swing, clean and press and snatch - to name just a very select few. These Ballistic or power based moves are amazing for developing power - being able to move weight quickly, which is an essential component of fitness. 

One criticism I often hear about kettlebells is that people don’t develop strength or muscularity in the same way as with Dumbells or Barbells. Now this actually can be true, however this isn’t down to the kettlebell it’s the implementation of the routines people often do with them. The idea of progressive overload - i.e. increasing over time the number of reps or weight one can do is a key idea within standard dumbbell and barbell training - and this is why people make progress. In fact this is the only way to progress. However it seems when people stick to kettlebell training they throw this idea out the window and either use far too much variety or hardly ever push the reps or load up to their current capability.

Now this is exactly why I built the app Kettlebell Progression. Progressive overload can be tricky to manage- when should you increase the reps? By how many? Does it matter if you’re still sore and a host of other important questions. When someone is engaged in personal training with me, obviously I take care of all these parameters for them- It’s what I've based 30 years of training experience on. But for people who aren’t professionals it can rightly be intimidating. 

That’s exactly what the app Kettlebell Progression does - you select which kettlebells you have, the app strength tests you over several movements to find your individual level, then sets you the correct rep range and set number over a balanced kettlebell workout. You complete the session and then the app knows exactly where and when to increase your loads and set numbers keeping track of absolutely everything. But what if you’re still tired, sore or haven’t slept well - should you still train as hard. The answer is no, the session should be adjusted - the app runs you through a series of 6 questions which you score honestly and the app adjusts your upcoming session appropriately. 

There’s a host of other really cool features in the app too - and honestly I’m super proud of it, as it's the culmination of all my training experience that's been put for you in app form so I can help as many people as possible achieve what they deserve. I’d love you to give it a go and drop me a line with what you think - here’s the link!

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id6760265889?pt=678886&ct=website&mt=8