FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: So exactly what are Kettlebells?
A Russian ‘kettlebell’ or girya (Russ.) is a traditional Russian cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle.
The kettlebell is seen as the latest fat loss tool to hit the UK. They are not a fad they have been around for years! They go as far back as the 1700’s,where it was first seen in a Russian dictionary in 1704 (Cherkikh, 1994). They were so popular in Russia that any strongman or weightlifter was referred to as a girevik, or ‘a kettlebell man’. Even today the Russian military still use them and also Hollywood stars are using them. It is regraded the ultimate training tool for all round fitness and physical development.
Q:How does it work?
Unlike a dumbbell or barbell, the Kettlebell’s centre of mass is offset from the handle. This means the weight constantly pulls against your hand and requires not only strength and co-ordination when exercising with it, but also the recruitment of other muscles through your arms, shoulders and core stabiliser muscles.
The kettlebell is very user-friendly. It can be carried anywhere and is like a gym in one hand. You can work every muscle group in your body by using a variety of moves like lifting it, swinging it, passing it from hand to hand. As your confidence, strength and co-ordination develops you can move on to more complexed routines and exercises and use heavier weights.
Q: What will kettlebells do for me?
Anyone can benefit from a regular kettlebell workout- from those who just want to be fit and healthy, or for those who want to reduce injury and move more efficeintly for everyday living. A kettlebell workout will develop your all-important body core stabiliser muscles those that help you trunk to become strong to prevent back pain,and also help you to tone up your flabby arms and tone up your bum.
You’ll also burn around 800 calories from one session and use 600 muscles and exercise your cardio-vascular system. Its definately a total body workout!
The Kettlebell even creates a faster workout and help you shift fat fast. The overall result will be increased strength, flexibility, timing, muscle tone and general body conditioning. Elite athletes can use advanced exercises and techniques to target various muscle groups and movement patterns.
But don’t just take our word for it.
See what others say about using Kettlebells and the results they have achieved…
“Jamie convinced me that liposuction was no solution and that I should get rid of excess weight naturally. I decided to embark on a six week kettle bell training course with Jamie.
If you are new to fitness a workout plan and diet will be challenging, yet rewarding. Jamies approach is challenging, yet fresh and exciting. I was nervous at first but the results were fast and amazing! I feel better, cleaner and fit. My body is glowing. I have lost three and a half kilos. I use to wear a size 14/16 and I now fit into a perfect size 12!”
Aneesa Koila 2007
Q: Is kettlebell training the only way to train?
A: No one system is the only way to train. Do not kid yourself as there are many types of ways to train. Here at Russian Kettlebells UK we use other tools like sledgehammers, bodyweight, speed and agility and quickness ladders, sandbags and even tractor tyres to get results!
Q: Is kettlebell training effective for fat loss, strength training, and packing on muscle?
Yes and it is a fantastic way to train and get the heart and lungs working. In order to keep kettlebell training fun, you have to keep it interesting and kettlebells are a great! You can benefit from kettlebells on their own or even combined with other things like boxing and bodyweight programs. There is something for everyone.
Q: Kettlebell exercises look dangerous, will I drop them on my foot?
A: Only when done with poor form and lack of concentration. However, any exercise is dangerous when its not done correctly. People die every year from running on treadmills. Thus far, there have been no deaths related to KB training yet. But the bottom line is everyone needs personal instruction to maximise the benefits of kettlebell training safely as 100% attention is required and you can’t just learn it from a dvd or a book. Kettlebell DVD’s while useful are not a replacement for in person instruction.
Q: Is kettlebell training effective for fat loss?
A: Yes definately! From just training with a kettlebell for 10 mins a day you will will burn around 500 calories. However if you decide to sit and watch tv and eat crap and do no exercise you will definately put on weight. Fat loss is 70% diet and 30% training. Unless you are a professional athlete where training is your job. Do not kid yourself into thinking that you train like a professional athlete unless you are one. Kettlebell training can be a very effective way to speed up your metabolism. However, if anyone that tells you that you can lose fat with kettlebell training and a crappy diet and still look great then maybe they need personal training too. For a kettlebell Fat Loss System contact Jamie For More Information.
Q: Is Kettlebell training effective for building muscle?
A: What do dumbbells and kettlebells all have in common? They are both forms of weight training. Thus, just as barbells and dumbbells are effective for building muscle, kettlebells are very effective as well. That said, nothing takes the place of progressive weight training with barbells. Barbell squats, barbell deadlifts, Barbell Military Presses, and weighted dips are among the kings of muscle building. If your main goal is to build muscle then you are better off with barbells. If your have been training with barbells and dumbbells for a while and want a new stimulus then kettlebell training is a great fit. Also, kettlebells are great for building the shoulders, hamstrings, and arms. Kettlebells are not the best fit for quad development and of course calf development. A combination approach utilising kettlebells and barbells is a very effective way to go.
Q: I want to get stronger without getting bigger. Is kettlebell training for me??
A: Yes, this is one of the most popular benefits of kettlebell training. When training with the kettlebell it is like training the whole body as a system at the same time without concentrating on one particular muscle group at one time. This is known as peripheral heart training where you work the body as one unit without putting on bulk. Women for example love kettlebell training as it helps them tone up and lose fat without getting big and bulky. Truth be told, building muscle is not easy for women as they have less muscle building chemicals in thier bodies like men so they will find it difficult to get big and bulky anyway-so that should be the least of your worries.
Q: Do women use kettlebells??
A: Yes they absoluetly love it! 
I I work with women all of the time at my workshops and classes and they love kettlebell training. Especially exercises such as swings, squats, renegade lunges, and The Windmill. Women tend to believe the illusion that they will turn into “Arnold” overnight and that they will have Popeye arms and shoulders. Fortunately, top kettlebell instructors such as Lisa Shaffer of www.nofearfitness.com and Lauren Brooks of www.socaltrainer.com and Svetlana Writtle of www.powerandbeauty.co.uk are perfect examples of the benefits of kettlebell training for women. Check out their sites today and get over that fear once and for all that you will not turn into some bulky rugby player or Incredible Hulk overnight with kettlebell training.
Here is a testimonial from Julie Walker… “Jamies’ Kettlebell training is definately a fantastic experience. For someone who needs to get fit, and wants to do so fairly quickly, Jamies’unique KettleFIT system is fun and varied. Jamie has been trained by some of the top trainers in the world and really knows his stuff. He gives the right amount of attention to you so you always know you were doing the exercises correctly which is very important in kettlebell training. Jamies’ training has helped me tremendously, I actually feel stronger and more powerful already just from doing swings, sqauts, deadlifts and presses! I highly recommend Jamies’ Kettlebell training to anyone who wants to tone up and get fitter and stronger quickly! Jullie Walker August 2007
Q: Are kettlebells popular with athletes?
A: Many athletes are enjoying the benefits of kettlebell training. Some examples are MMA fighters, rugby players, soccer players, endurance athletes like runners and triathletes.
Q: Is kettlebell training suitable for for martial artists?
A: It sure is and two of the top martial arts strength coaches Steve Cotter and Steve Maxwell are big fans of kettlebell training. No doubt their stamps of approval carry a lot of weight as both are highly respected members of the martial arts community. Make sure you check out Steve Cotter’s website at http://www.fullkontact.com for more info.
Q: Is kettlebell training great for lazy people?
A: Nope but watching TV and eating processed foods is. When you are ready to take control of your health think about getting some kettlebells and actually using them even if its only for 10 minutes.
Q: What size kettlebell should I start off with?
A: Kettlbells or poods come in different sizes. A pood is usually a 16kg. But they start at 4kg and go right up to 48kg. Women start on a petit 8kg and guys start on a muscle crunching 16kg.
Q: Where can I learn to use Kettlebells properly and how long will it take to learn the basic moves?
You may learn from ME! Don’t learn from You Tube or a DVD! Don’t get me wrong there is some good quailty stuff out there, but its best to learn hands on from someone who can teach you correctly without injuring yourself! Then once you have had around 3-4 hours proper tuition form a qulified kettlebell coach then use a dvd as a reference source!
Q: Where can I see some sample Kettlebell programs?
Go to my new blog at:
http://www.russiankettlebellsuk.ning.com
Where there will be regualr training programs and tips on kettlebells every few days!
