Tips for Using Kettlebells at Home

There are numerous benefits to working out with a kettlebell at home. They have no impact, build amazing glutes, are essential for a strong core, and aren’t expensive. Plus, you can get them small enough that they hide easily in a corner. These tips for using kettlebells at home can help anyone ensure that they work out safely and effectively.

Ensure You Are Fit Enough to Use a Kettlebell

If you cannot do a plank and you cannot even lift a five-pound kettlebell in a deadlift up level with your shoulders, you need to work on that before you can move forward. Do non-weight bearing exercises to build the muscles you need to do the workouts safely.

Buy the Right Kettlebell for You

The best thing to do is go to a local store that has someone experienced with helping you choose the right weight for you. Most men tend to go too heavy, while women tend to go too light. You want it to be a challenge, but you shouldn’t hurt yourself either.

Wear the Right Shoes

Even if you’re home, make sure you have on the right shoes. You should not wear running shoes. Wear a shoe that allows your feet to work naturally on the floor. Many people recommend being barefoot, but this can also be dangerous should you drop your kettlebell on the floor.

Learn Proper Form

Don’t rely on written instructions and your interpretation of them to get your form right. Find well-made videos on YouTube or Amazon to watch to help you get the moves right for each exercise. When you focus on form, you will avoid injury, and your workouts will be much more effective.

Mind Your Back

While kettlebell workouts can be amazing, they can also cause injury if you aren’t careful – especially with your back. When you work out with your kettlebell, your hips should be absorbing the force of the kettlebell, not your back. That means your back should always be in a neutral position.

Learn Proper Breathing

How you breathe is an integral part of doing each move right. It also is protective for your spine because when you are breathing correctly, your breath will tighten your abdominal muscles as you swing, thus minimizing damage. It might take some practice. When you watch an instructor or video, notice how and when they breathe.

Don’t Use Kettlebells in Random Ways

Don’t make up moves with your kettlebell unless you have a thorough understanding of the human body, how the kettlebell works, and so forth. You don’t want to harm yourself or others by suggesting a workout that hasn’t been tested by professionals.

The most important thing while you’re working out, whether with a kettlebell or not, is to take care of your safety. Do the moves correctly. Keep working on doing them correctly, and don’t rush or push yourself past your fitness level. You will improve quickly with the kettlebell, so there is no reason to rush it.