Learn How To Use The Kettlebell

There are many ways to learn how to use the kettlebell as an effective device to burn fat, build muscle, and improve cardiovascular conditioning. The kettlebell, a simple weight with a handle on top has earned a reputation as one of the most effective fitness devices you can use. But let’s say you want to learn how to use the kettlebell, where can you turn?

This post will offer a few different alternatives for learning the proper form for using the kettlebell. Ranging from in-person instruction to video and print instructions.

But first let’s explore the background of the kettlebell and why it might be a great addition to any home-gym.

Tim Ferris – Certified as a Kettlebell Trainer

Two years ago Tim Ferris, the author of The 4-Hour Work Week and The 4-Hour Body, decided to take the Russian Kettlebell Certification (RKC) test. This training is an excellent way to ensure that you know the proper form of several kettlebell exercises. Tim is an aggressive lifestyle experimenter and is constantly seeking ways to live efficiently. He discovered the kettlebell. Check out the video:

As Tim puts it, “A single kettlebell and three exercises is all most people will need.”

The core exercises from the HKC training include the kettlebell swing, the kettlebell squat, and the kettlebell getup. These three exercises are a great way to start learning the kettlebell.

Learn How To Use The Kettlebell

There is a continuum of different learning methods. These different methods vary in price, effectiveness, and fit with individual learning style. There are three main ways to learn how to safely and effectively use kettlebells: in person, video, and print.

Live and In-Person Kettlebell Training

Hard-style Kettlebell Certification (HKC) in Fort Collins, CO

I’ve enjoyed talking with Aaron P of Northern Colorado Kettlebell in Fort Collins, CO. He was the one that inspired me to launch into a 10,000 Kettlebell Swing Challenge. We share a love for the kettlebell – stay tuned for some fun joint projects in the near future. Aaron is a Russian Kettlebell Certified (RKC) trainer who is actively helping people transform their bodies with the simple kettlebell.

Aaron is hosting and promoting a kettlebell training class from DragonDoor for their Hard-style Kettlebell Certification (HKC).

The upcoming class is:

• Where: Fort Collins, CO, United States
• When: November 12, 2011 – 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
• Tuition: $599
• Excellent Early-Bird Registration Discount: Register and pay by October 15th, fee is only $499.00 (Save $100.00)

Video Kettlebell Training

Mike Mahler DVD Kettlebell Training Course

Another alternative to learn how to use the kettlebell through video is from Mike Mahler. (Read my series on German Volume Training.) He is a trainer whose teaching and training style I’ve enjoyed. He brings both intensity and experience to his work. This 5-DVD course with twelve hours and thirty minutes of instruction and live kettlebell workouts.

Trainers involved in the Kettlebell Training In the Age of Quarrel Workshop DVD Course.

• Ken Blackburn
• Steve Cotter
• Jason Dolby
• Andrew Durnait
• Mike Mahler

While those names may not mean much for someone just learning kettlebells, they are reknowned in the industry. Mike Mahler has been involved with kettlebells since 2001. In that time he has been immersed in the kettlebell world and has had the good fortune of rubbing elbows with the best kettlebell trainers out there. Trainers that are dedicated, open minded, and industrious who have an unquenchable thirst for kettlebell training knowledge. Mike Mahler has managed to pull this team together by hand selecting the best trainers with the experience, expertise, and ability to communicate. The result is a practical method on how to learn to use the kettlebell through Kettlebell Training In The Age Of Quarrel DVD Set.

Steve Cotter’s Encyclopedia of Kettlebell

Steve Cotter is the man. He is a martial art fanatic that has poured himself into kettlebells. When I bought my first kettlebell I bought his Encyclopedia of Kettlebell Volume 1 DVD set at the same time. I had been reading everything I could find on the internet. After watching countless videos on YouTube I found the instruction on this DVD set priceless. The videos are Steve talking and demonstrating each movement. I wouldn’t call it entertaining, but it is very informative and helpful.

Steve Cotter delivers the goods with the BIGGEST Kettlebell Training Instructional DVD’s ever! The Encyclopedia of Kettlebell Lifting is an intensive A to Z training system packed with 8 hours of high quality video! You’ll learn a complete training system to fit your needs from beginning and preparation to advanced techniques and competition skills. Included inside is a unique Program Guide providing tailored programs from Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced to Strength, Endurance, Speed, Flexibility, and Explosive Power training.

Steve Cotter added to volume 1 by pulling together 9 additional hours of training in Encyclopedia of Kettlebell Lifting, Volume 2″>Encyclopedia of Kettlebell Lifting, Volume 2. The series is designed to take you to the next level of kettlebell knowledge. This series moves beyond the fundamentals into workouts focused on developing:

• Strength,
• Speed,
• Power,
• Range of Motion,
• Endurance,
• Coordination, and
• Balance.

The program includes 10 fully designed programs for general conditioning, core training, anaerobic conditioning, mobility, strength, power, and cardiovascular conditioning.

Steve is an excellent teacher and an athlete. One of the things he is known for is his impressive feats of strength, such as his pistol jumps. Check this video of him jumping on and off a box using only a single leg.

How Will You Learn To Use the Kettlebell?

There are several ways you can learn to use the kettlebell to get in shape, burn fat, and build muscle. The kettlebell is a great addition to any home gym. Learn from a trainer in person, in a classroom, or from a video.

Let me know what method you decide. Be sure to comment below on how you decided to learn how to use the kettlebell.