What in the world is a kettle bell? Why in the world would anyone want one? The first question is answered nicely by fitness guru Roy M. Wallack in this piece in the L.A.Times. Wallack tells readers that a kettle bell is “a dense
cast-iron weight, with a handle, that looks like a solid tea pot.” It is also, Wallack reports, “the fitness secret of Russian strongmen” and has become a hot fitness item that gyms are racing to build classes around. Read more about kettle bells here. Wallack does readers the service of reviewing the pros, cons, weights and prices of four kettle bells that can be bought at fitness stores and online.
Still confused? Intrigued? Watch Lisa Shaffer show us one way to use a kettle bell.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Saturday, May 31, 2025
This is better than the good old dumbbell how?
For me, swinging kettle bells around is just more fun than the typical dumbbell workout. Also, managing that swinging weight involves your whole body so you get a great core workout along with your arms and legs.
PS: I’ve been fortunate enough to attend some training sessions with Lisa Shaffer (the one in the video) and she’s terrific. If you’re ever in Dallas…
This is not the the greatest example of a kettlebell exercise, though as you can see on the press, the position of the bell makes for a much more natural and fluid motion than you would have with a dumbell.
Where the kettlebell really shines for my money is on the swings, windmills, and TGU’s. Such a simple tool, but soo effective.