move of the week: the kettlebell swing
Pavel Tsatousline, the person responsible for bringing the kettlebell to the US from Russia.
For those of you who love the Kettlebell and what it has done for you, your training and your mental toughness, you already know. For those of you who 1) fear them 2) don’t “like” them 3) or don’t know where to start with them, here is your guide to why it’s time to embrace them.
The KettleBELL is NOT the KettleBALL. For us purists, please do not misuse their name. We respect the bell and value everything it has done for our bodies and minds.
(kettlebell swing, clean press)
1) The Kettlebell swing is NOT about the actual Kettlebell. Like all Kettlebell movements, the focus is on how your body moves with them, NOT about how the Kettlebell moves YOU. You control the Kettlebell; the Kettlebell does NOT control you.
2) The Kettlebell swing gives you a strength AND (“cardio”) conditioning workout all in one movement.
3) The Kettlebell swing helps correct poor posture and can fix it.
4) The Kettlebell swing can (and should) be done by an 8 year old and an 80 year old.
5) The Kettlebell swing can be completed with 2 pounds and with 100 pounds.
6) Like Fitness on the Run’s philosophy that health and fitness are a journey, perfecting the Kettlebell is a journey. It takes time, patience, and mental toughness.
7) The Kettlebell swing is the master at fooling you into thinking you are fit.
8) The Kettlebell swing can be done anywhere: the beach, the gym, at home, at the park, at carpool, etc.
9) The Kettlebell is portable. It can be taken anywhere with you.
10) The Kettlebell swing compels you to recognize how your body creates force, power and tension and all at the same time.
11) While you can run, bike, or spin for 15 minutes non stop, you cannot swing for 15 minutes straight. Nor would an instructor with the proper certifications to teach them allow it. (At Fitness on the Run we have SIX certified Kettlebell instructors.)
12) The Kettlebell swing is a plank and a deadlift in the same movement.
13) the Kettlebell swing burns more fat than any other exercise, hands down, no question, bring on the scientists.
14) The Ketttlebell swing forces you to use your breath to your advantage and teaches your body HOW to use your breathing beyond the gym.
15) The Kettlebell swing can be done with two hands or one hand. It can be done 1 time for PRs or can be done 20 times (in rare cases).
16) The Kettlebell has helped countless clients with recovery from a variety of injuries: hip replacement, knee surgery, shoulder surgery, hand surgery, etc.
Pavel Tsatousline, the person responsible for bringing the kettlebell to the US from Russia.
- About the studio
Alexandria Wellness offers achievable answers for anyone who is tired of chasing fitness and health without a clear plan, someone who has struggled and is not satisfied with their fitness and wellness or someone who is open to maximized healthful longevity and fitness along with healthful weight loss. Adrien and her team offer help with food guidance, body acceptance, sleep and stress issues, and insist you have fun along the way.
Schedule your free 30 minute consult here!
Alexandria Wellness
215 North Payne Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.299.9333
contact@alexandriawellness.com
