KETTLEBELLS vs DUMBBELLS
So What's The Difference?
The confusion regarding kettlebells vs dumbbells eminates from a lack of proper instruction regarding how to practice with them. As a direct result many people make the critical mistake of using kettlebells as if they were traditional weights.
With traditional weight-lifting the body is generally in a fixed position while moving weight towards and away from it through a direct line of applied force. With dumbbells the handle is directly in line with the wrist, which is the point of axis. This establishes that direct line of applied force because the dumbbell is symmetrical as a result of a balanced grip. No momentum is generated to effect the movement and an isolated muscle or muscle group is targeted. On the flip side, the kettlebell's asymmetrical design causes it to be highly unstable and unbalanced, so there is no direct line of applied force. Picking up and manuevering a kettlebell immediatly triggers instability causing you to engage all your core muscles. In addition, when used correctly, kettlebells will also engage all four of the body's major systems; Nervous, Cardiovascular, Muscular and Skeletal.
Traditional weight lifting also builds muscles differently than kettlebell training. Generally, the goal of bodybuilding is muscle hypertrophy meaning an increase in muscle size. However, muscle size does not necessarily equate to muscle strength. Hypertrophy size is primarily developed through 'Sarcoplasmic Volume' which is basicly fluid not muscle fiber. Kettlebell training triggers greater muscle "Myofibril Density" which is directly related to strength. Based upon generating momentum and then perpetuating, redirecting and decelerating that momentum, kettlebell training engages hundreds of muscles at once, creating profound functional strength without bulky size.
In conclusion, a kettlebell lifter can do whatever a traditional weight lifter can do. On the other hand, a traditional weight lifter cannot do what a kettlebell lifter can do. The kettlebell user develops real world strength that applies to real world situations and everyday jobs and tasks.
With traditional weight-lifting the body is generally in a fixed position while moving weight towards and away from it through a direct line of applied force. With dumbbells the handle is directly in line with the wrist, which is the point of axis. This establishes that direct line of applied force because the dumbbell is symmetrical as a result of a balanced grip. No momentum is generated to effect the movement and an isolated muscle or muscle group is targeted. On the flip side, the kettlebell's asymmetrical design causes it to be highly unstable and unbalanced, so there is no direct line of applied force. Picking up and manuevering a kettlebell immediatly triggers instability causing you to engage all your core muscles. In addition, when used correctly, kettlebells will also engage all four of the body's major systems; Nervous, Cardiovascular, Muscular and Skeletal.
Traditional weight lifting also builds muscles differently than kettlebell training. Generally, the goal of bodybuilding is muscle hypertrophy meaning an increase in muscle size. However, muscle size does not necessarily equate to muscle strength. Hypertrophy size is primarily developed through 'Sarcoplasmic Volume' which is basicly fluid not muscle fiber. Kettlebell training triggers greater muscle "Myofibril Density" which is directly related to strength. Based upon generating momentum and then perpetuating, redirecting and decelerating that momentum, kettlebell training engages hundreds of muscles at once, creating profound functional strength without bulky size.
In conclusion, a kettlebell lifter can do whatever a traditional weight lifter can do. On the other hand, a traditional weight lifter cannot do what a kettlebell lifter can do. The kettlebell user develops real world strength that applies to real world situations and everyday jobs and tasks.
