tuesday trainer–kettlebells

I like this Lindsay person.

I also like homemade dressing.  And green bean casserole.  And my sister’s Pumpkin Pie.  And all the meals that can be made with Thanksgiving leftovers.

I didn’t look up the calorie count for a square of dressing.  I’m sure it’s up there.  In my former days, I wouldn’t have touched the stuff, opting instead for white turkey meat, green beans and a small sliver of whatever pie had the least calories (usually Pumpkin).

While I don’t count calories these days, I am still AWARE that Thanksgiving dinner (and really just the entire holiday season), is made up of calorically dense food. If you’re like me, you see food as fuel.  It’s what helps us perform 40 walking lunges and it’s what keeps us moving from sun up to sun down.  Food has a purpose.  Food is good.  Especially when you deep fry it or roll it in sugar.

So what do we do with all this extra holiday “fuel”???

BURN it up in our furnaces!!

That’s where Tuesday Trainer comes in to play!

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Welcome to the 11th edition of Tuesday Trainer.  This is week 2 in our Equipment series and we’re using Kettlebells!!

I’ll admit.  Kettlebells kinda scared me at first.  When we first got them at the gym, I remember wondering WHAT you used them for and HOW they could be all that different from regular weights.  It wasn’t until I started asking fellow trainers (who knew A LOT more than me), that I felt comfortable using them in workouts.  Now, I use them in Bootcamp classes, for personal training, and in my own workouts.

I think it’s really important to note that Kettlebell usage can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing! My advice: if you’re seeking to use them at your gym, ask a trainer to show you how. Some personal trainers even have special certifications to train in Kettlebell. If you’re using KB’s at home, seek out knowledge on the internet, from professional, certified online trainers and resources.

I really think, along with Crossfit and HIIT, Kettlebells are the future of fitness!  It’s high time we started learning how to integrate them into our fitness regime – perfect for use on at the gym, home or even while traveling (hi, Bonnie!)

Let’s BURN up some fuel!!

Disclaimer – As always, it’s best to consult a physician before beginning any new workout regime.  Please use caution and your own best judgment.

The Workout

Thanksgiving Edition – Outdoor Circuit.  This high intensity circuit is to be performed outside, at your local track or neighborhood park.  You’ll need a stopwatch and a Kettlebell.

Starting with the first move, complete exercise for a total of 60 seconds.  Jog 100 meters, sprint 100 meters, jog 100 meters, sprint 100 meters.  Rest for 60 seconds.  Move on to the next move.  Repeat sequence until you’ve made your way through all the moves.  Depending on fitness level, repeat entire circuit again, for a total of 2 times through.

• Kettlebell (Dumbbell) Swing
• 400 meter HIIT
• Halo
• 400 meter HIIT
• Squat Press-up
• 400 meter HIIT
• Around The World
• 400 meter HIIT
• Kettlebell Lunge
• 400 meter HIIT
• Squat and Press
• 400 meter HIIT
• Cooldown – Walk 800 meters

The Moves

Dumbbell Swing – ME

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Squat Press-up – Bonnie, bonnielangfitness

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Kettlebell Lunge – Katie, yesiwantcake

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Around the World – Heather, healthywithheather

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Halo – Christin, christinjoyful

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Squash Squat/Press – Kristin, STUFTmama

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I’m planning on doing this circuit Thanksgiving morning.  And dragging Katy and Travis out with me!  They’ll be “thankful” when it’s over.

I’m “thankful” for all of my fellow trainers!  Thank you so much for contributing (I particularly liked Kristin’s squash!)  I typically announce the next week’s theme every Thursday, but since THIS Thursday is Thanksgiving and I’m planning to take the day off from blogging, I’ll post the theme on Friday! 

**I’m sure you’ve noticed the new header. How could you not!?!?  It’s amazing. So is Holly. She made it. I’m cooler just for having her as a friend! Thank you, friend!!**

Off to dream about homemade dressing.

splendid…lindsay