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Working Out with Kettlebells Takes Heart

Combination Workouts

About Kettlebells

Working Out with Kettlebells Takes Heart
by Lisa Shaffer, RKC

Anyone can workout with kettlebells, all it takes is heart. Some people say you either have it or you don't. I say with the right motivation everyone has it. What, exactly do I mean when I say heart? I mean you are the type of person who gives everything you've got. I mean determination. I mean iron will and the courage to go above and beyond. If you push yourself and step out of your comfort zone you will achieve success like you never thought possible.

So How Does This Relate To Kettlebells?

History has heralded successes since the begining of time. Whether on the battlefield or in business, there are certain things that hold true. No matter what your endeavors, you need courage to get started and heart to continue. Fitness though kettlebells is no different and the rewards are quick and serve to motivate you to go for more. I never thought I would sound like an informercial, but I just can't say enough about kettlebell workouts. I admit it, if you've read the testimonies or talked to anyone who works out with kettlebells it sounds too good to be true. "Workout with kettlebells and you will become more lean, gain strength and have more flexiblity. Get rock hard abs. And yes you can do it all in as little as 15 minutes a day."

It is not however too good to be true. It's hard work. That 15 minutes of working out with kettlebells, if done properly, will have your muscles fatigued, your heart pounding and your lungs screaming for oxygen. Kettlebells are not for wimps, but you also don't have to be an athlete, bodybuilder or powerlifter either. You just have to have heart and want to look and be fit. Many of the exercises aren't like anything you have done before.

It takes more concentration, more balance and more focus. You can't just pick it up and mindlessly muscle it up and throw it around. It's the thinking persons workout. While athletes and those who have lifted weights before will master proper form more quickly, even a novice can do it with concentration and heart. Results will soon follow and then there will be no turning back. You will be hooked.

I'm a 37 year old mother of 2. I'm Russian Kettlebell Challenge certified and I think that working out with kettlebells is the greatest form of exercise I've ever done. I've been lifting weights as my main form of exercise for 20 years. Mostly, I worked out in free weight gyms doing more of an overall bodybuilders type workout. But I've also worked out in athletic clubs doing aerobics and using Nautilus equipment. I've even tried a powerlifters gym with a friend in college. I've seen and experienced many different forms of weightlifting, but nothing has brought out such a passion in me like lifting with kettlebells.

I love it. It is fun and versatile. For me it is a cardio and weight training workout in one. I literally saw results after just one week. I was hooked and I haven't looked back since. My shoulders are more defined. My stomach is flat. My hips are slimmer and have never looked better. My arms and legs have really toned up. My husband told me recently that I have the figure of a high school girl. I'm also buying a size smaller pants.

It doesn't matter what your goals are. My husband also works out with kettlebells. His goals are strength and endurance. He's 38 years old and weights 165 pounds. He has always been strong for his size, benching in the 300 pound range. But because of the demands of his job his strength decreased. Also because of his age he didn't think he would push 300 again. Over the last four years he only maxed out at 280. After working out with kettlebells for only three months he increased his bench press by 20 pounds and maxed out at 300 again. As a bonus for him he also gained size through his shoulders, arms, chest and back.

So, if you want to change your shape, decrease your body fat, and increase your strength you can do it all with kettlebells. Kettlebells are for everyone. All it takes is heart.