Kettlebells For Dummies »

Sarah Lurie, RKC, CSCS, founded Iron Core, the first kettlebell training studio in the United States to exclusively offer Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) certified instruction. Sarah is a nationally recognized kettlebell expert and has been featured in Fitness Magazine, among other publications.

Get into the swing of kettlebells and benefit from an all-in-one cardio and strength workout

There's a reason why professional athletes and A-list celebrities are getting into shape with kettlebells — and now you can, too! Packed with step-by-step photos, this friendly guide gives you everything you need to use kettlebells to safely lose weight, boost your metabolism, and become strong and lean.

• Get the skinny on kettlebells — find out how a kettlebell workout is different from other fitness programs, the many ways in which your body will benefit from it, and the gear you need to get started

• Shape up or ship out — get friendly advice on essential hip and spine alignment and on the breathing techniques you'll use in your workouts

• Get into the swing of things — follow step-by-step instructions for getting the hang of fundamental kettlebell exercises

• Master the moves — kick your kettlebell workouts up a notch with intermediate and advanced moves that will take your training to new heights

• Take special note — equip yourself with special routines if you're a young adult, a baby boomer, a senior, pregnant, an athlete, losing a substantial amount of weight, or rehabbing from an injury

Open the book and find:

• The origin of kettlebells, what they are, and how to use them

• Essential safety considerations

• Advice on picking the right size kettlebell

• Where to buy kettlebells and which traits to look for

• Tips on setting up a home gym

• Warm-up and cool-down stretches

• Photos that illustrate a wide range of exercises

• Form correction for common errors

• Workout routines for every level

Learn to:

• Work all your muscle groups at once

• Improve your strength, endurance, flexibility, agility, and body alignment

• Burn fat, build lean muscle, and achieve core strength

• Boost your metabolism and lose weight

Introduction.

Part I: Gearing Up for a Kettlebell Workout.

Chapter 1: Shaping Up with Kettlebells.

Chapter 2: A Primer on Kettlebells: What They Are and How You Use Them.

Chapter 3: Picking the Right Kettlebell and Setting Up Your Home Gym.

Chapter 4: Moves for Success: Spine and Hip Essentials.

Chapter 5: Breathing Right, Warming Up, Cooling Down, and Taking Care.

Part II: Beginning with Basic Kettlebell Moves.

Chapter 6: Swinging Your Way to a Lean and Toned Physique.

Chapter 7: Turkish Delight: Tackling the Turkish Get-Up.

Chapter 8: More Essential Exercises: The Front Squat, the Clean, and the Military Press.

Chapter 9: Beginner Kettlebell Workouts to Lose the Jiggle and Build Strength.

Part III: Mastering Advanced Kettlebell Moves.

Chapter 10: Kettlebell Exercises to Help You Gain Strength, Flexibility, and Mobility.

Chapter 11: Whittle Your Middle: Core Exercises.

Chapter 12: Mastering the Five Ultimate Kettlebell Exercises.

Chapter 13: Kicking It Up a Notch with Advanced Kettlebell Workouts and Combinations.

Part IV: Using Kettlebells in Special Situations.

Chapter 14: Addressing the Fitness Needs of Young Adults, Boomers, and Seniors.

Chapter 15: Staying Fit during (and after) Your Pregnancy.

Chapter 16: Kettlebell Training for Athletes of All Levels.

Chapter 17: Rehabbing or Supporting Substantial Weight Loss with Kettlebells.

Part V: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Set and Meet Your Kettlebell Fitness Goals.

Chapter 19: Nearly Ten Guidelines for Finding and Working Out with a Certified Trainer.

Appendix: Kettlebell Resources.

Index.