In spite of the assumptions we’ve heard recently, kettlebells aren’t entirely new. The current opinion is that they’re about three hundred years old. Over the course of the last few years, it should be said, they’ve gained in fame to become one of the trendiest fitness routines worldwide. And, why not?

Kettlebell exercise routines are easy, don’t need much in the way of special equipment, and anyone can do it. Of course, the more advanced moves shouldn’t be used immediately. As with all things, the basic aspects should come first. The ideal weight for you is one piece of information you certainly need to find out before you start work with the Russian kettlebells. What’s more, with these types of exercises, the weights used are surprisingly light. Women will probably be best suited to an eighteen lb weight, while male beginners are recommended to use the 35lb. The explanation stems from how the exercise benefits you. Using a kettlebell it derives from the movement rather than from how much weight is used. Ensuring you’ve got your movements right is crucial, so order an instruction video or brochure to help you.

When you begin, before trying to learn any other Russian kettlebell routine you must learn a two-handed swing. This movement forms the core of the majority of techniques, and it’s far from as easy as it looks. Abrupt halts, jerky motion – these are hardly what you want. A useful safety tip is worth relating at this point – your shoulders shouldn’t be used to lift. Rather, employ your hips.

If you’re sure you’ve perfected the double-handed swing, you’re ready to move on – you’ll be ready to attempt more complicated techniques. Keep your exercises interesting by adjusting routines and reps, accompanied perhaps by different kinds of music. More than one pair can be used once you know what you’re doing, and to shake things up completely you could maybe even adjust the weight of the kettlebells. Following these tips, you’ll keep your muscles performing at maximum effectiveness and not run the risk of levelling out.

A fact we must repeat here is that kettlebells aren’t designed to help you develop your muscles or play a role in bodybuilding. These workouts are developed only to boost your overall health level and promote weight loss and improve tone.

We advocate introducing a session working with the kettlebells into your wider fitness scheme. How regularly you actually take advantage of them is of course your decision alone. Start with a couple of times over the course of the week for typical body maintenance; or up the intensity and take up the kettlebells once a day. You’ll lose fat faster than you’d believe.