Hardstyle and Kettlebell Sport workout-40 min

Here I am working with my 12kg/26lbs ‘hardstyle’/general fitness kettlebell (the black one) and my 16kg/35lbs sport kettlebell (the yellow one).

The hardstyle kettlebells are the ones that you will find most frequently at the gym.  These kettlebells are for high intensity workouts that build strength and endurance (muscular and cardio endurance).  Before using these kettlebells it is important to be instructed or supervised by a certified instructor.  Many people attempt the KB movements on their own, which is dangerous.  There is a lot involved with the movements–it is NOT just swinging it around.  One you have the basic movements down (which takes time), you can progress to some of the more advanced exercises that you see here.

The yellow kb that you see is used for Girevoy sport (kettlebell sport), which is used for competitive kettlebell lifting.  The shape, size and weight of sport kettlebells are quite different than the hardstyle kbs.  Therefore, the form/body movements used are completely different.  DO NOT attempt using the Girevoy kettlebells without instruction from a certified kettlebell sport instructor. These are NOT your regular fitness or workout bells.  Those who use these are often involved in the competitive arena.  Using these kb’s is even more technically challenging and ‘labor intensive’ than using the hardstyle ones and it’s not for everyone.

I like to use both kinds of kettlebells as they challenge me in different ways.  I used to be more competitive with the sport kettlebell, however now I just prefer to keep up my skills in a much less intense manner. I encourage those of you who are interested to seek out a KB instructor to see what it is all about.  When you are using a kettlebell, I guarantee that you are not thinking of anything else but your kettlebell and your form.  So it is a great way to ‘get away’ from the outside world and get an intense workout at the same time.

One great KB instructor is Steve Cotter.  Here is his site:

http://www.fullkontact.com

To find ‘RKC’ certified instructors near you and to learn about Pavel, who made KB’s popular in the US, check out:

http://www.dragondoor.com/