Sunday 13 January 2013

Are kettlebells safe?

Every exercise that is performed in an unsafe manner is potentially dangerous.  It is for this reason that if you are new to exercise you should be taught by a competent instructor.

The kettlebell and in particular the kettlebell swing looks deceivingly easy however there is a specific motion that needs to be done to ensure that the lower back is not taking any unnecessary forces. Loaded lumbar spinal flexion for repetitions is asking for trouble.  

Kettlebells are a great strength and conditioning tool and when the exercises are performed correctly they are no more dangerous than any other exercise.   

If you are looking for a low impact strength and conditioning workout, check out my video's on correct technique before attempting these.

2 comments:

  1. My "instructor" has been online videos and most recently, James Wilson from bikejames.com LOL
    I think I should capture actual video and get feedback. I never feel any discomfort and have learned the explosive motion (from hips) early on which makes this one of my go-to exercises in my circuits. Now to go bigger than 25 pounds! Hehe

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's the way to go Nikki. If you can't see someone in person then taking video's is the next best thing. The hip hinge for the basic swing is an easy thing to learn for some and then can be quite difficult for others. If you've got that down pat then you should be feeling it in hamstrings and glutes mainly for swings and not your lower back. Have you seen the variation called the KB sport swing? A double extension swing aiming at bringing the bell up higher rather than forward. It's used mainly for cleans and snatches.

    ReplyDelete