By Andrea Du Cane, Senior RKC

The kettlebell workout is unique in how it strengthens the stabilizing and supporting muscles. Regular weightlifting actually DISCOURAGES use of the stabilizing muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The machines isolate one particular muscle group at a time. Weightlifters are also encouraged to wear weightbelts to support their (weakened) abdominals. What you end up with are big, bulky, pretty muscles that are, for all practical purposes, useless.

The shape and design of the kettlebell allows more range of motion, ballistic movement, and, within specific exercises, a change in the lever of the weight to the body. By forcing the body to control the weight – without added support or isolating the working muscle - you end up utilizing the deeper, harder-to-work, stabilizing, and supporting muscles. In other words, what you get with a kettlebell workout is FUNCTIONAL strength, not bulky, superficial muscles.

As a dancer, martial artist, and a Pilates instructor, I see first hand the value and importance of the deeper stabilizing muscles. They prevent injuries, are essential in functional strength, mobility, and coordination.

Let me give you some examples of the importance of strong stabilizers. First, there is the man, who is proud of his six-pack abdominals yet throws his back out when he shovels snow. Why? Because he has weak transversus and oblique abdominals. Another example is the weekend softball player who throws out his shoulder. Again, I’d bet his supporting shoulder muscles, including his lats and serratus are weak.

The beauty of the kettlebell workout is that it targets all of these important muscles groups in an easy-to-use and relatively quick workout program. It won’t add bulk, unless that is your goal. It will burn bodyfat, give beautiful muscle definition, strong tendons and ligaments and functional strength that you can use in your daily life or other physical activities.

This is the perfect workout for the woman who wants to look lean with shapely, defined muscles. It is also ideal for someone who doesn’t have the time or desire to spend hours at the gym or aerobics studio. The Kettlebell workout is great for the longtime athlete, too, who wants to improve his or her strength, coordination, and breath and to prevent injury. And for anyone who has tried every diet and exercise program to lose those last 10 pounds, the kettlebell program will do it!