|
How do kettlebells differ from standard weights?
|
Because a kettlebells centre of mass is off set from it's handle (the point of holding) it constantly pulls against the body's stabiliser muscles.
The handle also allows for more ergonomic holding of the weight, and allows for more dynamic and versatile movements to be made. |
|
I want to lose weight, shouldn't I do cardio? |
Strength Training is fantastic for weight loss, burning massive calories per hour (I have personally recorded myself using a standard heart rate monitor at 985kcal in one hour). They are also a form of Metabolic Resistance Training (MRT), which has been shown to considerably increase the rate of fat reduction through post workout increased metabolism. See our page on Strength Training and weight loss. |
|
As a female I don't want to gain large muscles and look 'manly'. |
First of all Women have 10 times less testosterone, the body's primary anabolic hormone, and main muscle building chemical, making large muscle growth in women very hard indeed. In fact it should give a whole new respect for female bodybuilders!
Most people will never use more than 20-30% of their actual muscle capability. Top power lifters my use up to 60%. Even without training your muscles are strong enough if 100% activated to rip itself from the bone attachment, and possibly break the limb, hence we have many safety devices fitted to our bodies.
Strength Training is about developing the strength through the muscles, but also through the joints and tissues of the body, neural pathways, and developing our ability to function as a whole, not over develop individual isolated muscle groups. |
|
How is Strength Training different from body building Training? |
The human body does not think or act in single, isolated muscle groups, but in movements. Strength training is the process of developing not just muscular strength, but strength of the joints and soft tissues, plus the development of flexibility, co-ordination and increased proprioception. It is also a process of training the body's neural processes, increasing motor neurone action, and desensitizing the muscle spindals and golgi tendon organs |
|
I've never come across kettlebells or power/indian clubs, are they new? |
Kettlebells have been in use for training by the Russian Military for well over 150 years. Weighted clubs have been used by fighters in Persia and India for centuries, if not milennia. The training systems have become more obscure over the last 50-75 years as what we would consider conventional weight training has come to prominance, particularly with the rise in bodybuilding. However as Strength and Conditioning specialists have sought the most efficient methods of training, they have once again turned to these old systems. |
|
I have no previous weight training experience, or suffering from injury. Is it still safe to Strength Training? |
Absolutely fine, as long as you are medically well enough to undertake a fitness regime. Training will always be to your own personal level, however if you are unsure, consult with your doctor prior to starting a new exercise regime. |
|
I'm not a member of Fitness First, can I still train with Vires Fitness? |
The great thing about most Strength Training is it uses tools which our trainers can bring to you. Strength training can be done in your living room, Garden, local park, on the beach, an anywhere else with enough space to swing a kettlebell or club, or even just your bodyweight.
|
