Sunday, January 15, 2012

4 Reasons Why Kettlebell Training is Awesome

Build Functional Muscle

A kettlebell workout routine helps to build strong, functional muscles that you just won't get by using machines. Functional, "go" muscle will help you in all situations that you experience in life, sports etc. When you work out on a machine, you are isolating one very small muscle group (something that rarely happens in real life). Kettlebell workouts are based on real-life movements such as: plowing a field, lifting something overhead, squatting to lift something, or picking things up and raising them above your shoulder

Improve Endurance

Running and weight training are very common activities for when you visit your gym. When you combine these two types of physical exercise, you are attempting to create a workout that is made up of both cardio and strength training. When training with an adjustable kettlebell, however, you can accomplish both of these at the same time. These versatile and powerful pieces of equipment can accomplish in one stroke what used to take you several different workouts.

Ever-Changing Routines

Although it does not take too many kettlebell exercises to comprise a full-fledged, effective routine, there is an endless number of variations on them all. You can do any dumbbell exercises with a kettlebell, as well as exercises built on the basic kettlebell swing. You will never run out of new kettlebell exercises to try.

Only 1 Is Needed

If you're short on space, or are looking for something to workout with at you're home, the kettle bell is perfect. By it's very nature, you only need one kettlebell to do a full kettlebell workout. While there are many exercises that you can do, one is all you really need.

I highly recommend that you start your kettlebell training right away. It is one of the best ways to build flexibility, stamina, coordination mobility and balance all in one.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Planking for a Stronger Core

One of the most talked about topics these days is health and fitness. With obesity levels and cardiovascular disease on the rise, there is no wonder. As a result, more people are thinking about their health, and ways that they can get into shape. Exercise is one of these ways, but it is not a quick and easy path. In order to have a great looking, healthy body, you have to put in the time and effort. Another misconception is that doing crunches, sit-ups and the like will make belly fat disappear. This is just just plain incorrect. Unfortunately, there is no way to target an area to remove fat from when exercising. We just have to burn more calories than we take in and work hard to rid ourselves of flab. Once that job is complete, however, the Plank is one of the best exercises for building great looking abs.

The Plank is a very easy to do ab exercise that is low impact on your spine and very effective. It has incredible benefits. For one, it is one of the easiest exercises that you will ever do. There is no equipment required and you can do the Plank with minimal space. Furthermore, there is no negative effect on your spine like with crunches and sit-ups. To make this exercise even better, it works out your entire core, rather than just your abs. You end up exercising your core, shoulders, glutes and arms while Planking which helps to improve posture.

In order to do a plank, put yourself in a pushup position, but rest on your elbows rather than your hands. Keep your body straight, and move as little as possible. What you want to do is hold yourself in this position for 30-60 seconds. You can hold it for longer as you get better at it. Each week, increase the amount of time that you hold the position, as well as the number of reps that you do and you will be doing one of the simplest, most effective core exercises possible!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

A Few Reasons Why You Should Run

For the majority of people, running is something that you either love or hate. Even if you hate running, however, it is a very important part of any exercise routine. In fact, running is one of the top cardiovascular exercises that you can do. When used in conjunction with a weight lifting routine involving dumbbells, an adjustable kettlebell and other machines, it can be especially effective. There are many benefits for your mind, body and spirit. Here are a few reasons why you should run:

Prevention of Disease - The health benefits of running are tremendous. One of the best things that running can do for you is help to prevent disease. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, your chances of contracting many dangerous diseases are multiplied. Running regularly can help you avoid disease and live longer.

Running relieves stress. Endorphins are the body's natural endorphins, and these are produced en masse when you run. These neurotransmitters are typically released into the body when you experience stress, such as during a tough workout. This is typically called runners high, due to the feelings of happiness and euphoria that endorphins induce. This is a great way to relieve stress, counter anxiety, fight depression and clear your mind.

Burn calories so that you can lose weight - In comparison with other cardio workouts, running is superior when it comes to burning calories. It is one of the most strenuous weight-loss exercises. This is because running makes use of every single muscle in your body, while increasing blood flow and heart rate. While you run, your blood is forced down through your legs and then back up to your heart. Your heart then pumps the blood back through your entire body. As you run faster, your heart strengthens, getting stronger with every stride.

Joint Health - Running is great for your joints, due the the constant movement of your legs. Although many think that the force of striking the pavement will damage your knees, this is not true. Some of the main contributors to osteoporosis are excess weight and age. Because runners can more easily maintain a healthy weight, their risk is much lower. In fact, running helps to strengthen cartilage.