Review: Kettlebells

Okay, so not your normal post on By Mimi, but I thought seen as it's a new year, I'd branch out with something a little different. So, here I am writing about kettlebells. 

Before I begin, let me first say that I do NOT have any expert knowledge on kettlebells and this is just my own opinion. Please chat to a fitness expert before trying out the exercise. 

This high intensity exercise has been around for quite some time (I'm told it's favoured by the Russians, but that's a different story) and is very much adored by celebs such as Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Aniston (hell, if she does it and has a body like that, I'm up for it!)

The kettlebell itself, for those who have no idea what I'm talking about, is a cast iron weight with a small handle which is used to perform certain exercises that combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. 

After combining pilates with cardiovascular exercises at my own home (not going to lie, my mother has every piece of equipment going), I thought it would be quite good to push myself a little further in a combined class environment. It's all well and good doing exercises at home every other day, but putting yourself into a competitive (although this class wasn't) environment can sometimes motivate you to work that little harder. 

My exercise routine is fairly light as I initially started it to increase my fitness levels, however, over time I have noticed a bit of weight loss (which wasn't necessarily intentional) as well as toning. Choosing kettlebells for me wasn't just about the need for motivation, but also because I've heard of the huge amounts of benefits that the exercise can have. 

Being only 5ft 1 and with long legs, my body shape is very important to me as any slight shift in weight can seem like a lot more. Obviously, everyone is different so this just applies to my own body shape.

The class, which lasted 30 mins (thank god) was hardcore, tough and exhausting. Yet, as soon as it finished, I found myself longing for more. I opted for the smallest weight possible (although it escapes me what it was) as it was my first time and I didn't know how hard I would have to work. 

Our teacher, who happens to be a good friend of my mother which resulted in many a joke at both my mother and my expense, combined a number of routines that allowed us to test our flexibility, fitness and strength. From squats (hello Beyonce bum) to lunges and russian twists; she made sure that we worked our complete bodies and true to her word, made us use muscles that some of us haven't used in a long time. 

As with many other classes, we worked with reps, taking small breaks between each to ensure safety as the bells are quite heavy and we wanted to protect our toes. 

For me, I am particularly interested in toning my thighs and arms, as well as my waist (pretty much everything! ha) which is why this exercise was perfect for me. You are constantly moving, stretching, bending, lifting and swinging which not only keeps your heart rate up for maximum fat burning but also keeps your muscles working. 

My overall opinion on kettlebells is that if you can do it, that is to say you're in a fit state to lift etc, then do it. I not only felt amazing afterwards but today I'm in agony, which I think shows a good work out! ha.

I'm definitely going to work this into my weekly work out and who knows, maybe in a few months time I'll be posting pictures of my new kettlebell muscles (joking, there's no way I'd put you all to shame like that ;) joking again...) 

By Mimi...




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