Kettlebells and Dumbbells
For Fitness and Training
Kettlebells until recently were only used for serious training in the Russian military services. Once athletes and weight trainers discovered how effective they are at building strength without bulk their use began to spread rapidly. Kettlebells are available in lots of different weights
Basic Exercise
The basic exercise that I recommend is the kettlebell swing. For this exercise choose a kettlebell that weighs between 1/4 and 1/3 of your bodyweight. Make sure someone shows you how to do this exercise with proper form so that you don't hurt yourself.
The main things to remember when doing this exercise are to keep your back straight and your elbows straight. Your shoulders should never be in front of your knees. The swing is created by letting the kettlebell travel between your legs on the downswing and the upswing is created by pushing your hips forward and straightening your knees while leaning slightly back. Imagine that you were going to throw the kettlebell over a low wall a few feet in front of you - but don't let go! This exercise will give you powerful hip and thigh muscles which will make you stronger at most sports. Aim for a total of 100+ swings in as few sets as possible (ideally one set!) and do this twice a week for best results.
Dumbbells
Attractive and stylish but also an extremely functional set of weights. Ideal for fitness and aerobic training.
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