A quick glance at the training ethos of the West
As with anything revolutionary, it takes time for people to recognise an idea as something truly worth investigating. Take for instance, the concept of working out in a gym. In the early days, a gymnasium primarily consisted of free weights, e.g. dumbbells and barbells, intermingled with cardio machines such as treadmills and good old fashioned manual magnetic exercise bikes.
In the case of the gym, it is quite obvious that a revolution has slowly taken place synonymous with technological advancements. From free weights have come machine based apparatuses which have afforded the gym paying customer the added luxury of working out with less effort and fuss and apparently more effectively.
The whole telemarketing revolution spawned in the US has provided the television enthusiast the opportunity to work-out whilst also watching their favourite show! It is at a staggering rate that television enthusiasts are bombarded with ‘new’ and ‘innovative’ ways to keep fit and strong. But most of us are aware, at least in the fitness profession that these gimmicks are nothing but a passing fad attempting to revolutionise the way we should look and feel. We are dictated to by the false prophets of the fitness industry looking to make a cheap and easy buck off that gullible consumer.
But not all fitness aspirants are caught in the marketing web nor do they confine themselves to a sweat festering and heat sweltering gym. Welcome the outdoor training enthusiasts who have exploded in numbers over recent years. By utilizing park benches, tree branches steps and those dreaded hills, fitness trainers have created their own outdoor gym. Often appearing at the designated location with a bag full of fitness contraptions to provide a diverse workout, these trainers and their clients mean serious business. So the outdoor revolution has provided the client an opportunity to appreciate a whiff of fresh air whilst also working out.
A breath of fresh air
Perhaps the greatest fad to hit the fitness industry in Australia over the past 5 years has been kettlebell training. Spawned from a country where revolutions were a frequent event, namely Russia, the kettlebell has entered this continent primarily via the shores of the United States where an ex-special forces specialist trainer from Russia in the name of Pavel Tsatsouline sparked an interest that became a commercial success within a few years.
It did not take long for the kettlebell to make an impact in the fitness industry in the United States once Pavel and his publishing wing, Dragon Door turned kettlebell training into a training methodology accessible to the wider public, both specialist and lay alike.
As much as kettlebell training appears to be a fad, it is the best thing to hit the fitness industry in recent years. The wave that swept functional training into the mind-set of rigid and outdated physical trainers has swept a second time. Kettlebells are still at the level of curiosity and intrigue in Australia but it is only a matter of time until it will be recognised for its simplicity, compatibility and superiority when it comes to a total body work-out and functional appeal.
The appeal of kettlebell training is far reaching, grabbing the attention of athletes and sporting teams; ordinary guys who are sick of their rigid gym routine and women who just want to get stronger without that bulky look.
As appealing as kettlebell training is, there must be caution in approaching this type of training without having any instructional advice. The fundamentals of kettlebell training include safety and awareness; understanding how to perform a maneuver and how you can enjoy a work-out with diversity and efficiency. Improper teaching advice may lead to injury so it is imperative to seek out a reputable training organisation to facilitate a safer and proper way of exposing yourself to kettlebell training.
A fad with a purpose
When it comes to a total body work-out that builds strength, cardio and flexibility simultaneously, kettlebell training stands out as a fitness tool with a purpose. The beautiful aspect of this form of training is that you have the option of training outdoors, beside a beach or park and the option of training indoors, at your home or local gym (those gyms that have embraced the kettlebell that is).
For those of you who remain at a level of curiosity and intrigue, it is time to take that next step and join the training revolution that is kettlebell training. Whether young or old; female or male; athlete or just looking to get fit, kettlebell training does not discriminate to any of those categories. Kettlebell training is for anyone daring to try something different.
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