Is using kettlebells in your workout worth it?

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Kettlebell workout can consist of some of the most challenging movements you can do with a weight in your hand. 

Turkish get ups, single arm bottoms up press, and good old fashion goblet squats are all classic moves for a kettlebell-based exercise routine. 

The weights are now staples in gyms across the world thanks to their versatility, portability, and minimal maintenance. They are made fromcast iron or steel after all. 

As a replacement for dumbbells when curling, barbells when pressing or squatting, or even hex bars when deadlift, there are a lot of options to get your sweat on when lifting the round weights. 

Kettlebells were originally used by farmers

Kettlebells were originally used as counterweights at markets in 18th century Russia. Farmers would use them to measure the weights of goods, but it was quickly discovered the weights could be used for exercising purposes. A 1913 article in the fitness magazine Hercules about the activity boosted its popularity as a weight loss related workout. 

In Canada, the Canadian Kettlebell Alliance is the official representative for the highest level of kettlebell sports in the world. National competitions are held to send members to the World Kettlebell Sport Federation.

Exercises using kettlebells often incorporate multiple muscles

A big reason for kettlebell workouts being so popular is that they can incorporate your full body. Kettlebell exercises can use several muscle groups at once, which can help with fat loss since you burn more calories with a full body workout. This can also help with balance and core strength.

Many kettlebell exercises are designed around moving the weight around you, while you remain relatively still. Keeping the core tight during theses movements help strengthen it and eventually make the workouts easier too. 

There are also tons of kettlebell workouts specifically for the back. Anyone looking to develop back strength properly and with good form can benefit a lot from kettlebells as well, since rows, swings, and pulls are among the most common movements with kettlebells. An improved back can help with posture, mitigate back pain, and can burn calories quickly since there are so many muscles in the back to work, according to Kettlebell Workouts. 

But kettlebells can be hard on the wrist

People with back issues could do more damage if they’re not careful, according to English fitness website Nordic Balance. That warning extends to everyone though, since form is key when performing any weight based workout to avoid getting hurt. 

Wrists are another area that is at risk when performing kettlebell workouts, especially when performing exercises where the weight falls below your wrist while keeping the handle in your hand. That off-kilter weight balance can cause some discomfort in the wrist, or even bruises and blisters on your forearms, according to Live Healthy.

Is using a kettlebell right for me?

Due to the risk of injury, Kettlebell workouts are intermediate workouts, for those who have already developed a bit of muscle and routine in their fitness journey. 

They’re also a good option for those looking to save both time and space in a home gym. The ability to get a full body workout in a small area makes them great for basement and apartment gyms. 

Chris Arnold is a Toronto-based writer.

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