Kettlebell swings are a very dynamic and highly effective method for you to achieve a superior cardiovascular and strength training workout at the same time. A kettlebell swing workout is one that is certainly in it’s “own league,” especially when comparing it to other so-called traditional forms of cardio training such as running on a treadmill or rowing the elliptical trainer. This is about total body strength and cardiovascular conditioning.
Kettlebell Swings Cardio!
More and more everyday I get questioned about the training exercises that are possible to perform with the ancient kettlebell. I basically end up explaining that the possibilities are endless. You see there are so many variations of drills that can be done with the ancient iron bell to cater to just about any form of training irregardless of your purpose or goals for training. However, the one constant variable that tends to get noticed first is the superior cardiovascular conditioning that can be gained from this device.
Both new clients and potential prospects all acknowledge the rapid elevation of their heart rate after executing a bout of swings. The swing lift is the base strength endurance lift of the kettlebell and is wonderful for showing people that there are alternative ways to achieve a superior cardiovascular workout. The common thread is that with this lift and most all kettlebell lifts there is a quick elevation of one’s perceived level of exertion. This is accomplished with the kettlebell because it involves such effort and coordination of such a large amount of the musculoskeletal structure in order to pull it off. There is just simply not that many resting parts when pulling off a set of kettlebell swings. This single lift is great for helping you achieve a mind blowing level of cardiovascular conditioning for this very reason. So many muscles and total effort must go into being able to efficiently and successfully move the kettlebell along it’s arc of motion when performing the swing lift.
The great thing about this particular lift is that it can be altered many different ways in order to achieve different levels of cardiovascular intensity. This can be done by either swinging a single bell with both arms, a bell in each hand, a single bell in one hand, or by manipulating the range of motion by swinging the bell a full 180 degrees from between your legs all the way up to above your head. By executing the swings and altering the variations you stand to achieve an amazing level of fitness that you probably would never thought would be possible. As a strength and conditioning pro I can tell you that this is the absolute truth!
If you haven’t already started to implement the use of kettlebell cardio into the structure of your workouts then you are missing out. Take the time to learn more by accessing more of my articles on the subject for free. Remember that most anyone can train hard, but only the best train smart my friend!
