7 Kettlebell Myths You Should Know

7 Kettlebell Myths You Should Know

Kettlebells have risen in popularity over the recent years as they allow people to add an element of functional strength training into their regimen. Even with their rise in popularity, there are still many members of the athletic and weight lifting community who are operating under various misconceptions, the most common of which we will explore below.

 

Myth #1:

Kettlebell lifting Is dangerous, especially for your back.

Like any type of weight lifting, there is always some risk of injury involved, especially when an improper form is used. This being said, kettlebells are significantly safer for your back compared to other exercises such as deadlifts, rows, and barbell squats.

One area that may make kettlebells more dangerous for some people is that many do not know how to use them properly but likely already have experience with more traditional or conventional workout equipment.

 

Myth #2:

There is only one correct way to lift kettlebells.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, one of the reasons why kettlebell workouts have become so popular in recent years is due to their versatility. Unlike some other pieces of exercise equipment, kettlebells have a vast number of different ways they can be used, targeting different parts of the body in the process.

 

Myth #3:

Lifting kettlebells bells won’t make you big and strong

Although kettlebells aren’t as heavy as plate-loaded barbells, it doesn’t mean you can’t use them to build muscle. For those looking for the high mass aesthetics of a bodybuilder, kettlebells alone are indeed unlikely to do the trick. However, those hoping to build lean muscle mass and improve their overall functional strength will undoubtedly benefit from kettlebells.

Ex-marine and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu champ Jocko Willink is a strong supporter and active practitioner of kettlebell workouts. He credits kettlebell routines with contributing to his core strength.

 

Myth #4:

Lifting kettlebells with the right form is very easy

While it is true that there are some simple, beginner-level kettlebell exercises, the majority are not at all and require a high level of concentration, endurance, and attention to form. Learning how to use kettlebells properly is a skill, one that is developed over time and under the guidance of someone who knows what they are doing. Anybody who thinks kettlebell exercises are easy is likely to suffer an injury, poor results, or both.

 

Myth #5:

Kettlebells should be swung over your head because that’s how they do it in Crossfit

Unless you are a CrossFit professional or enthusiast, there is little to no reason for individuals to attempt the American Swing. Many who do, end up suffering back and joint injuries, and all the purported benefits can be achieved by doing other exercises.

For those who are dead set on doing the American Swing, it is essential always to keep your back straight and shoulder blades together.

 

Myth #6:

Anyone who is kettlebell certified knows how to use kettlebells well

It would be nice if this were true, but sadly it simply is not. While certified kettlebell instructors are much more likely to know how to use kettlebells properly, there are many exceptions to this.

Furthermore, it is not necessary to be certified to use kettlebells properly, and the vast majority of users are not. This being said, it does require attention to detail, especially in regards to form, as poor form can lead to injuries.

 

Myth #7:

Kettlebells are very technical, and it is hard to learn how to use them correctly

The idea that kettlebells are very technical is both true and false. On the one hand, they require a great deal of attention to technique and form, but then again, so does any other type of weighted exercise.

The real draw of kettlebells is because of their shape and weight distribution; there are many different types of exercises one can do with them, some of which are more technically complicated than others.

 

Conclusion

It is crucial to keep in mind that kettlebells are often used in conjunction with other forms of exercise and are rarely used as a sole training system. Furthermore, the chances for injury are sometimes great because users underestimate the size and weight of the kettlebells, which can lead them to practice improper form and technique.

Michael Dehoyos is a lifestyle blogger and editor at Dissertation Writing Service and Write My Essay. When not writing, Michael assists companies in their marketing strategy concepts and contributes to numerous sites and publications such as Nextcoursework.com.

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