Hello, and welcome to my blog! I have no doubt that your interest and/or love of kettlebells has brought you here, and there’s also no doubt that you’ve come to the right place! If you don’t know much about me, please visit my website http://www.lornakleidman.com/
Let me begin by saying that I am a full-time athlete. As a 2-time World Champion, my day revolves around training – be it training clients, training myself or teaching kettlebell classes here in Manhattan. A large part of my time is also spent taking care of myself which includes eating heathfully and recovering. That’s about it. It may sound boring, but an athlete’s life is very specific, in philosophy and of course in practice.
Now, let’s get back to you! If you love KBs, I am interested in furthering your knowledge and appreciation of what they’re about and the results you can achieve by using them properly. Let’s examine the KB’s effect on ADL (activities of daily living):
Kettlebell movements mimic real-life movement patterns that are natural to the human body, reducing the risk of injury. If you were to consider your daily activities and their required movements (walking, reaching, carrying for example), you would agree that most of your routine activities require some form of lifting, pulling, pushing or balancing objects that are not centered in the palm of your hand, including-
Walking a dog, Carrying groceries bags, Moving furniture, Swinging a golf club or tennis racquet, Partner dancing, Surfing, Catching yourself so as not to slip or trip. Another common example is lifting a child. A child’s shifting weight is not easy to manage, even when they are asleep, yet when they are moving about, you must manage a weight that is both active and displaced. This is what kettlebells are all about – as its momentum pulls it away, you counter by pulling it toward. And while it’s overhead, you must immediately establish your center of gravity and stabilize.
Simply stated, training with KBs is “training for Life”.
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Best to you, Lorna
I have chronic back pain and recommend this form of exercise to anyone that is a sufferer…HOWEVER, you must train with someone who knows how to instruct. Lorna is the only trainer/athlete that I have seen that trains people responsibly…and masterfully…have been at the gym and have seen trainers putting clients in precarious injury inducing situations…trust the best and be educated by the best…
Lorna,
Thanks for the great sessions you have given me! I am energized by my workouts again and very grateful for your training. If I wanted to buy a few of my own Kettlebells, are there certain ones you would recommend? Are there differences I should be aware of? Thanks so much!
Hi Daniela, glad to help you select KBs for your fitness needs. Purchase 2 or 3 KBs of varying weight from different brands. You will eventually find that one of them will ‘feel’ better as you workout.
The following article will help you determine which are best for you-http://www.lornakleidman.com/lornatimes.pdf
Best, Lorna
Lorna,
I’m new to KB training, but I’m working with them twice a week. Should I keep up all my other regular exercises as well? Or would the new KB routine take the place of them? Thank you for your response.
Deb
HI Debra, working out with KBs exclusively vs adding them into your existing routine depends upon your fitness or sport goals. Since you’re just starting out, I would suggest blending KB drills with the activities you’ve been involved in- be it running, yoga, or other forms of weight training. Of course if you’re a runner preparing for a race or want to get in shape for tennis season, work with lighter KBs- 15 – 20 lbs twice per week. Keep your sets long- 20-30 reps, so that you build endurance.
If you’re looking to lose weight or shape up, eliminate the dumbbells or other weight tools and add a third day of KBs drills. Mix up the weight load for each day: One day light weight (15-20lb), with little rest time between drills, one day heavy, with longer rest time, and one day medium weight. This plan will get your metabolism fired up, helping you to shed unwanted pounds and get toned, while eliminating the need to perform supplementary ‘cardio’. If you’re not sore after the three training days, add a fourth day of timed drills- for example- one minute of single arm swings, alternating arms for a total of 10 minutes, or challenge yourself
to perform as many Turkish Get-Ups as you can 3 minutes per side.
The vocabulary of KB movement is exhaustive, so be patient and learn proper form, this way you will have fun and steer clear of injuries. The key to toning and weight loss is mixing up routine so your body will change, but if you’re training for an event or sport, your workouts will need to be specific.
Hope that helps!
Best wishes, Lorna