Why Strength Training with Kettlebells is Key to Active Aging and Lasting Fitness
As we age, our bodies go through inevitable changes: muscle mass begins to decrease, bone density declines, and our metabolism slows down. These natural shifts can make us feel less energetic and more prone to injuries. While many people have historically turned to cardio to stay fit and maintain a healthy weight, strength training has emerged as a more critical component when it comes to aging actively and gracefully. It offers long-term benefits that go beyond what cardiovascular exercise alone can provide.
On Being Loose Under Tension
The enemy of strength, and endurance, is tension. When your body, and mind, are tense, the rest of your body stiffens, resists, and the risk of injury increases. The goal of a righteous Kettlebell routine is to be strong — and tense in all the right places — while also being loose in all the other right places.
You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Shirt!
If you’re just starting out with working Kettlebells, you’re soon going to be in for two big surprises. First, you’re going to lose a lot of fat fast on your torso; and second, you’re going to get a stronger, more muscular back! As you move your Swing, your Latissimus Dorsi muscles will begin to bud, and then pop!
Basic Kettlebell Workout Template
Now that I’ve recovered from my injury, I am ready to set up — and share with you — my basic Kettlebell workout routine template that you can use, and modify as you see fit. I will fill most of the week for you with exercises you can use, modify, and add to in order to make up your own routine. Don’t train every day. Skip a day between heavy workouts. Or skip two days. Use these routines only as suggestions for what might best fit your body.