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Kettlebells are one of the newest fitness sensations, but unlike most over-hyped workout gizmos, they've actually been around for more than a century. This "old school" training style is enjoying a renaissance, and athletes all over the world are learning how to use kettlebells to keep in shape, burn fat, encourage the growth of lean muscle, and get a truly functional workout that's not only effective, but fun too. The only problem with "old school" workouts is: they can lead to injury. Kettlebell workouts are notorious for creating repetitive-stress injury because these routines are based on high-repetition moves that put a lot of stress on the joints and connective tissue of the elbows, wrists, shoulders, and lower-back. Furthermore, the design of traditional kettlebells leaves a lot to be desired. Although kettlebells are virtually bulletproof, they almost seem to be created more to last forever than to be easy on the body. Nobody ever claims that kettlebells are comfortable or user-friendly. Reports of kettlebell injuries flood into kettlebell-related websites and forums on a daily basis. This is where modern adjustable kettlebells come in. With modern designs, all the poor design points have been modified, and adjustable kettlebells are (for the most part) more ergonomic, safer, and more effective than traditional cast-iron 'bells. Let me explain exactly why this is: Modern kettlebells have better handles Old-style kettlebell had short, stubby, thick handles. This made it difficult to grip when you were pulling the 'bell during movements that work the back and biceps. Although some kettlebell proponents claim that this is beneficial because it trains the grip, most athletes understand that back and biceps training is best if it's not limited by grip strength. Kettlebell athletes are always complaining about how hard 'bells are on the palms: blisters and calluses seem to be par for the course if you want to get a good kettlebell workout. Additionally, the short, stubby handles cause wrist problems during pushing moves that involve the chest and triceps. You're almost forced to bend your wrist backwards during the movement, because the body of the 'bell presses against the forearm, knocking your wrist out of alignment and robbing you of a lot of your potential power. With the modern design of adjustable kettlebells, the handles are thinner -- almost as thin as a typical dumbbell handle -- and blisters are reduced accordingly. And since the handles are invariably deeper, the wrist assumes a more natural and neutral position, resulting in more power and less repetitive-stress injury during presses and snatches. Adjustable bells are better for the joints and the lower back Every athlete and fitness buff knows that you need to introduce exercise progression into your strength training workouts. But because traditional kettlebells don't come in a wide range of weights, it is difficult to use a normal weight progression from workout to workout over the course of several months. This makes it hard to use kettlebells to build muscle, since you need to steadily increase the weight lifted in you want to add muscle mass. Therefore, most kettlebell expert advise you to base your exercise progression on time or intensity, rather than on weight lifted. Unfortunately, basing a progression on time or intensity wreaks havoc on the joints and on the lower back. It's probably the major cause of kettlebell injury as reported on the popular forums devoted to kettlebell training. With adjustable kettlebells, you no longer need to worry about this problem. The weight adjustability gives you options you'll never get with fixed-weight 'bells, and it's easy to work out safely and sustainably in whatever rep range you prefer, just by dialing in the perfect weight. It's truly the best of both worlds: kettlebell workouts and weight adjustability. With adjustable kettlebells, you have options Learn all about adjustable kettlebells, the styles available, where to get them, and why they outperform traditional kettlebells by a significant margin. Please click through to learn why adjustable kettlebell handles are better than old school 'bells and why, once you try them, you'll never go back.
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