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What are Russian Kettlebells and Why It is The Ultimate Training Too

By Denis Kanygin

Imagine a cannon ball with a handle. That is what Russian Kettlebells look like. History of Kettlebells is a long one as this ultimate training tool goes all the way back to Czarist Russia.

So what? What is the benefit of training with Russian Kettlebell? How are they different from workout machines and free-weights?

Russian Kettlebells are considered The tool for functional training because they engage your whole body. Majority of kettlebell drills and exercises work the body as a single unit.

It is important because many of us become 'disconnected' as a result of inactivity and the lack of functional movement in our lives. My definition of 'disconnection' in the human body is the presence of muscle dysfunctions, compensations and postural deviations(look for my article on proper posture and why it is important).

Let me give you a couple of examples. Due to the higher center of gravity most guys like doing upper-body workouts but hate working on their lower body. As a result, many become upper body dominant. Imbalance or 'disconnection' between upper and lower body is the cause of many injuries and a source of much pain and discomfort for many.

Machines and typical free-weight exercises only make things worse because they build strength on top of dysfunction by further isolating muscle groups and allowing people to workout within their comfort zones.

Russian Kettlebells on the other hand force your body to work as a single unit. Upper and lower body must work together to properly complete the exercises. Lower body has no choice but to start doing it's share of work and upper body dominance is gradually dissolved. Kettlebells promote balance and function.

Upper body dominance is just one example. Russian Kettlebell exercises, when done properly, zoom in on the weak link of the body. I've seen many chronic pains go away as a result of proper kettlebell training. It's simple and effective.

Workout machines force the body to use specific angles and levers. The fact is that none of us are alike. Our levers are different, and the way we engage our muscles also varies from person to person.

In my postural therapy practice I see a lot of clients with faulty load-bearing. In other words when they stand, walk or do anything else they put more weight on one side of their body. As a result all of their movements contain compensation. When such a person does leg press or squats, one side does more work than the other.

Machines and popular free-weight exercises(squats for example) do not fix faulty load-bearing. They actually promote it and make it stronger and more embedded by putting more strength on top of dysfunction.

Kettlebells on the other hand address dysfunctions and compensations(in this case a improper load-bearing) and help body to re-educate and re-balance the muscles. Thus solving and fixing the root of the problem.

Russian Kettlebell training is a wonderful tool. It will make your pains go away, it will make your body strong, flexible and immune to injuries.

Not bad for a little ball with a handle!

About the Author:

Denis Kanygin is a Postural Therapis and Personal Trainer located in Mountain View, CA. Denis will help you be pain free and in the best shape of your life. His website is http://www.workoutiq.com