From Physical Therapy to Training Here's 5 Reasons Why I love Those Kettlebells

 By Kirsten Carmichael PT, DPT, SFG I, CSCS

I commonly get asked what’s the deal with the kettlebells.  My answer is they are an amazing all in one tool. You can rehab injuries, build strength, endurance, and power all at once.  Kettlebells have in fact been around for ages but their popularity seems to come and go in phases like so many things in the fitness world.  There is always something new and flashy but the kettlebell will forever be a staple you can use anytime, anywhere for a full body workout. Here are some cool benefits of training with kettlebells (and why I use them as both a physical therapist and strength coach).

11)    They are fantastic for your shoulders.  As a physical therapist improving the strength and dynamic stability (ability of the deep shoulder muscles to really lock the ball in the socket) are key.  Since my patients can’t take me home with them for manual exercises, I use kettlebells and their unique weight distribution to train this.  Kettlebell arm bars, get ups, bottoms up work, windmills...they all improve stability and mobility of the shoulder girdle. Also, when pressing the kettlebell allows the shoulder to move in more planes of motion than a conventional barbell.  The ability to rotate is huge for your cuff muscles as well as preventing injury (because you don’t jam your tendons).

22)    Kettlebells build incredible grip strength.  This is so important for everything from sports to performing daily activities.

33.)    You can train power, strength, and endurance all at one time.  Again, your more dynamic movements like swings, cleans, and snatches with the kettlebell train power while also sparing wrists/arms that receive a great deal more stress with the barbell versions. 

44.)    You can train stability and mobility at the same time.  Just take a look at the get up…that requires all kinds of shoulder and hip mobility but trains strength and stability at the same.  And it doesn’t get any more functional than getting up from the floor and back down again.

55.)    You can train literally anywhere.  You don’t need to spend a lot of money, and you don’t need a ton of equipment or space. 

Interested in our approach to injury rehabilitation or looking to improve your fitness?  Contact us today to learn more about our Physical Therapy and Strength and Conditioning services and community!