The kettlebell delivers extreme all-around fitness. All-purpose strength. Staying power. Flexibility. And is the world’s number one fat loss tool – the American Council of Exercise conducted a study that showed that kettlebell training burnt over 1200 kcals an hour, or almost double that of running. The kettlebell and the RKC system are at the forefront of a modern day fitness renaissance - bringing true function, movement and strength back to the world. While many believe that the only way to gain strength is to add size to the body the reality is that strength and size are two unrelated areas. Women all around the world, in particular, are benefiting from kettlebell training using the RKC system.
The Top Nine Extremely Boring Reasons RKC Kettlebell Training is Great For You –
1. Kettlebell exercises strengthen the glutes.
People with low back dysfunction often exhibit “gluteal amnesia” .If not overcome with correct practice it is likely to lead to further back problems since the lower back has to work overtime to do all the work that the glutes should during lifting. Kettlebell training emphasizes the glutes.
2. Kettlbell exercises stretch the hip flexors.
Research shows that weak glutes are associated with tight hip flexors – another common cause of lower back pain. The RKC system is second to none in promoting hip flexor flexibility.
3. Kettlebells develop back extensor endurance.
Surprisingly lower back strength is not a prime factor in injury – but lower back endurance is. Kettlebell ballistics are unmatched for developing lower back strength endurance.
4. Bracing is superior to hollowing for spine stability.
Misinterpreted research has lead to the mistaken belief that “pulling in your navel” protects your back. Research shows that “bracing” is far superior. The RKC system has many innovative techniques to teach and improve bracing skill.
5. Sensible ballistic loading appears to reduce the odds of arthritis.
“It appears that the cartilage of joints subjected to regular impulsive loading with relatively high contact stresses is mechanically much stiffer and better adapted to withstand the exceptional loading of running and jumping than the softer cartilage associated with low loading. Thus, joint cartilage subjected to regular repetitive loading remains healthy and copes very well with impulsive loads, whereas cartilage that is heavily loaded infrequently softens…the collagen network loses its cohesion and the cartilage deteriorates” (Siff, Supertraining).
6. Kettlebells are effective for building strength.
The 1985 Soviet Armed Forces manual declared kettlebell training to be ‘One of the most effective means of strength development” representing “ a new era in the development of human strength potential”.
7. Kettlebell lifting is great for your heart.
In 1993 Siberian Scientist Shevtsova discovered that gireviks (literally – kettlebell men) had a long-term decrease in blood pressure, resting pulse and even rate of recovery after exercise.
8. Kettlebells “right size” the body.
In 1997 Voropayev studied Russian lifters and found that 21.2% gained muscle mass. More surprisingly he also found that 21.2% (not a typo, the exact same percentage) lost body fat! If you need to put on muscle or lose fat – the kettlebell is the ideal tool for the job!
9. The “WTH” effect.
Studies all over the world have been done and found the same thing – kettlebells add performance in totally unrelated areas. Soviet scientists have found that kettlebell lifting increases performance in tests such as: strength, measured with the three powerlifts and grip strength; strength endurance, measured with pull-ups and parallel bar dips; general endurance, measured with a one kilometre run; work capacity and balance, measured with special tests. They’ve also found that kettlebells increase tests on soldiers running obstacle courses, coordination and agility.
