03 September 2024 · Resources

What the Hell Effect on Kettlebells: Explained

The What the Hell Effect on Kettlebells

Whether you're new to strength training and cross fit or are a seasoned pro, you’re probabl looking for a strength routine that will provide you with maximum enhancement in your performance and help build strength in the long term. That’s where kettlebells come in. In our guide we’ll explore the “What the Hell Effect” on kettlebells, how it works and how kettlebell training can help improve overall strength and conditioning.

What is the “What the Hell Effect”?

The “What the Hell Effect” is simply when you improve in exercises that you haven’t trained for, just by doing kettlebell workouts. It’s called the “What the Hell Effect” because of training with kettlebells, it’s likely you’ll find other exercises easier too, like deadlifts, press ups or even improved cardio, which might come as a surprise!

How does the “What the Hell Effect” work?

Adding kettlebells into your routine can improve overall strength, performance, flexibility and fitness levels, so that you can perform activities that you haven’t trained for with ease through the key elements of kettlebell training.

Full body workout

Training with kettlebells is often a full body workout. Common exercises involve compound movements that works multiple muscle groups simultaneously building strength and performance.

Example: Take a kettlebell swing, it not only activates your back, shoulders and arms, but works your hips, glutes and core too – all at the same time.

Stability and balance

Kettlebells are designed with an off centre weight, which works your stabilising muscles such as your core and back. Developing a strong and stable core is essential for all physical activity, from weightlifting to swimming and athletics. Building core strength will benefit your overall posture and form.

Example: Kettlebell windmills are a full body movement that is slow, deliberate and controlled. It helps to strengthen your core, hips and shoulders which can benefit a range of activities and sports.

Improved grip

The more you train kettlebells, the stronger your grip will become. Unlike barbells and dumbbells, kettlebells have a thicker handle, with the weight distributed below the handle. The design of the weights mean that your grip is worked on over a sustainable period, resulting in improved grip over time.

Example: Exercises like swings, cleans and snatches can challenge the grip, making it easier to take part in other sports like tennis, or even perform more secure deadlifts.

Cardiovascular Fitness and Muscle Endurance

Kettlebells are a key piece of apparatus for cross fitters, and workouts often combine high-rep and high speed sets that challenge both cardiovascular fitness and overall endurance. By building cardiovascular fitness, with kettlebells, your overall endurance will improve in other sports and activities.

Example: Swings and squats are both examples of cardio exercises that can be done with kettlebells to improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance.

How can Wolverson Fitness Help?

Here at Wolverson Fitness, we’re known for our range of quality kettlebells, trusted by cross fitters, strength trainers and gyms across the country. Our kettlebells are designed for all fitness levels and budgets.

Shop Kettlebells

We have a wide range of kettlebells for both that can be used across all abilities Whether you’re a professional athletes or cross fitter, or just getting into the gym, we have a choice of kettlebells that’ll work for your routine. Choose kettlebells and find yourself saying “what the hell?” as you find your fitness, endurance and strength improve!

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