If you are serious about getting results and achieving both a superior strength and cardiovascular component within your workouts then you have got to include kettlebell swings into the equation. Kettlebell swings are a hard hitting strength and cardio workout. This single lift is second to none in offering you astounding results and will enhance your workouts ten fold.
If you have heard of the kettlebell by now then you know that this ancient strength and conditioning device has a reputation that is quite impressive. The great thing about kettlebell training is that it is primarily a movement oriented style of training. You see when you engage in whole body movements up against the resistance of the kettlebell you stand to achieve a very high level of fitness. This single exercise is the perfect combination of lifting that delivers to you an awesome cardio and strength training workout to change the landscape of your training program forever. If you are like me then your schedule gets hectic and trips to the gym don’t always happen due to family, work, and the weekly visits to the grocery store. You know exactly where I’m coming from. Yes, even though I am a strength and conditioning professional I am human too! I promise I’m not a robot, even though I would like you to think so. Anyway, the kettlebell swing fits perfectly into this chaotic lifestyle that most of us have. Time efficient, hard hitting, and getting results are what we want and I am here to tell you that kettlebell swings are here to deliver this for you.
The kettlebell swing is an awesome lift and can be performed in a number of ways. This lift can be done with both arms and a single bell, a single arm, or with a bell in each hand. Either way you are going to get a tremendous cardio strength training workout. To perform this lift you will need to place the bell or bells on the ground between your feet. Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width. From here allow the bell or bells to hang at your groin with your body locked out at both your hips and knees. From here keep your shoulders retracted and perform the hip snap motion to drive the bells back and forth from between your legs up to chest level in an arc like motion. As you engage the lift make sure that you forcefully breathe with every rep while keeping your abdominal and core muscles tight. Forcefully “hike” the bell between your legs with every rep and drive your hips and knees through the lift to “lock out” at the top of every swing.
If you are wondering why this lift is such an effective cardio strength workout for the Titans then give it a try. This is an exercise that is sure to change the entire format or your strength training program. If you haven’t already taken the time to include kettlebell swings and other great kettlebell lifts into your workouts then you are missing out. Remember that most anyone can train hard, but only the best train smart my friend.
