Kettle bell workout
Why: Exercising with a kettle bell is a good way to get a quick, whole body workout that improves strength and mobility. And it’s enjoyable too! Twice a week, do these five exercises in sequence for an intense but short workout that helps you build lean muscle mass, gives your metabolism a boost, and strengthens ligaments and tendons to help prevent injury.
What you need: A small, lightweight kettle bell.
Safety first
Make sure you follow these tips when using a kettle bell:
✓ Start simple with a lighter weight or no weight – you can practise the exercises with correct form first.
✓ Give yourself enough space to move the kettle bell around.
✓ Warm up thoroughly to avoid injury – a brisk walk will do.
✓ Keep a towel handy – sweaty hands can cause you to drop the weight.
1. Round the body pass | Warm-up
How-to: Hold the kettle bell in both hands, in front of your torso, feet hip-width apart. Release the kettle bell into your right hand, then move it behind your back and into the left hand. Repeat the circular motion 10 times, then switch direction.
2. The swing
Works: Your shoulders & bottom
How-to: Hold the kettle bell with both hands and stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart. Bend your knees and squat down, then squeezing your bottom drive your hips forward and then swing the kettle bell up to shoulder height, keeping your arms straight. As it begins to arc back down, tighten your tummy, squeeze your bottom, bend your knees and squat, swinging the kettle bell between your legs. That’s one rep. Do two sets of 10-15 reps.
3. Lunge and loop
Works: Your legs and bottom
How-to: Hold the kettle bell in your right hand, arms at your sides, palms in. Stand with your right foot 60-90cm in front of the left, toes pointing forward, back heel off the floor. Bend your knees and pass the kettle bell under your right leg into your left hand, and stand up straight. Repeat the move in the opposite direction. Continue to pass the kettle bell back and forth for 1 minute.
4. Squat
Works: Your thighs and bottom
How-to: Hold the kettle bell by the horns with both hands in front of your chest. Shift your weight onto your heels, bend your knees and hips, and sit back as if you’re lowering halfway into a chair. Press your heels and stand back up. Repeat for 40 seconds (that’s about 20 squats).
5. Row
Works: Your back
How-to: Stand with your left leg forward, toes pointing straight ahead, with your back foot perpendicular to the front. Bend your left knee and hold the kettle bell in your right hand, with your arm extended towards the floor. Keeping a flat back, rest your left forearm lightly on your left thigh for balance. Pull the kettle bell up by bringing your right elbow behind you in a rowing motion, then slowly lower it back down to the start position. That’s one rep. Do 10-15 reps, then switch sides.
