A kettlebell is a traditional Russian training implement that has been used since the 1700’s to develop full body conditioning and fitness. It looks like a cannon ball with a handle, allowing for unique positioning of the weight directly above your centre of mass (unlike a Dumbbell or Barbell which must be held in front of the body) and allows you to keep your hand and wrists in neutral alignment, which enable for greater endurance and longevity in the core lifts so that you can produce a much higher volume of exercise and thus greater conditioning and fitness. (according to Flux Motion)
Some of the benefits of kettlebell training include:
Improved strength
Incredible work capacity (strength endurance)
Enhanced athleticism – flexibility, coordination, balance etc.
Weight loss
Injury prevention
Mental toughness
Lean & functional muscle mass
Strengthening of the entire posterior chain
Core strength
Beki and I used our Classpass’s to check out Flux Motion in Putney on Tuesday evening. Entering the training room I was immediately reminded of a Crossfit gym. Particularly when I saw the whiteboard with our workout written up. Yes, that’s right 100 squats for the workout.
After a really thorough warm up, and 100 squats, we started our workout. I used an 8kg kettle bell that was the perfect amount of challenging without being too heavy.By this point I was already sweaty and my thighs were burning. We partnered up for the next section, with Beki taking on the 80 mountain climbers while I did a goblet squat for every 8 reps before swapping over.
Next up was 60 squat jumps while our partners did one legged jumps- we looked a little ridiculous, but it was deceptively hard. We had to touch the ceiling for the squat jumps so no slacking off.
My least favourite round was the second to last round and included 80 leap frogs (that sound a lot, lot more fun than they are), alternated with burpees although we only had to complete 10 in total. And they were actually sweet relief from squat jumps!
Our final round included 80 U sits and even more mountain climbers, followed by the sneakiest plank ever, intact there were lots and lots of planks. By the end of the session my whole body was shaking! A proper full body workout! I sort of can’t wait to go back, is that weird?
Also, check out Charley’s amazing transformation using kettlebell training (and a really great diet) – it’s an awesome read and will definitely leave you wanting to give kettlebells a go!
I think this work out would make me cry! I am tempted by kettle bells, though, have agreed to go and try a local class and am really looking forward to it. I have used them in crossfit but haven’t done a full class using them. Sounds hard, but worth it.
Haha I nearly did cry when I tried to climb the stairs to the tube afterwards!
Go Charlie!! So awesome! Thanks for sharing my blog in this, as you know, I LOOOVVEE kettlebells. The guys at flux are lovely and building such a great space and community. Maybe we can hit the gym when Sophie and I are in London next?
Yes sounds fab! Would love to learn more about kettlebells!
Way to go on the workout. Looks like a beast!
I have kettle bell-ing on my list to start during the month of April. So I was really excited to read this post!
Sounds awesome. Think Slice in Parsons Green also offer kettle bells.
Great stuff