Ouch ouch owww, I whimpered as I tried to pull my aching leg through my jeans this morning. I was still aching from the Kettlebell class I took 3 days ago. My kids take Muay Thai (Thai Kick boxing) classes at the Five Points Gym in Chinatown twice a week and I thought it would be a good idea to work out while they were working out. Kettlebell Strength training was the only class offered at the same time as my kids….so Kettlebell it is.

Now for those of you who have never seen or heard of a Kettlebell, also known as a Kettleball or the Russian Name Girya, it kind of looks like a cannon ball but with a handle attached. The use of kettle bells as a form of exercise dates back centuries however only gained in popularity stateside in the 1980s when Russian Fitness Instructor, Pavel Tsassouline, brought these metal  “balls” to the U.S. and introduced them in his exercise regimes.

Kettlebells are usually made from cast iron and are measured in the Russian measuring unit called “pood” which is 16 lbs. However Kettlebells range in weight from 4 lbs up to 175 lbs.

Because of its compact design, exercising with a Kettlebell involves grasping the handle and swinging and lifting this “heavy metal” for several reps. Working out with the Kettlebell is great for strength training, cardio, working your core, building stamina and agility. However, the main reason I was interested in the Kettlebell class was for the strength training.

I have already discussed in the past, that cardio exercise, while beneficial to your heart and health, unfortunately is not the best form of exercise to lose weight. Please read “To Exercise or Not to Exercise, that is the Question,” for further explanation.

It is a well-known fact that muscle burns more calories than fat. Therefore, the more muscles you have, the more fat you will burn. The key is to raise your Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR). Studies have concluded that increasing your muscle mass will in turn increase your RMR thereby increasing your body’s ability to burn fat… even when your body is at rest! So, if you increase your RMR your body will continually burn calories while couch surfing, stuffing your face with low carb snacks! Now we are talking. 😉

Exercising with the Kettlebell is challenging but effective. Based on my poor aching muscles, I am certain that I am building muscles, thereby increasing my RMR, thereby allowing me to burn fat even while I am sprawled on my  sofa, eating salami and cheese watching The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

I Love the I LOVE FOOD DIET!

Chow for now!