Kettlebell Safety

I see far fewer injuries with Kettlebells than with many other forms of resistence training. I think the reason for this is that Kettlebell requires strict focus and form. Kettlebell practice isn't something you can half do while you are watching CNN or reading as I see people doing time and time again at the gym. If you are going to spend even a minute training with a Kettlebell then make that minute count. Devote all of your attention to proper form and training safely and you will be rewarded with be a strong healthy body.

Here are some safety guidlines for proper Kettlebell practice:

1)Always train somehwere you will be able to drop your Kettlebell if you get into trouble and are too fatigued to continue an exercise. I know this is often hard to do, however you should be aware of this possibility before you pick up any weight.
2)Kettlebell practice is not something that can be done with minimal attention. Proper form and safe use of a Kettlebell require 100% attention at all times. This isn't the kind of workout you can do while watching TV or reading a magazine, this is a real workout. Whether you train for ten minutes or two hours, every second of that time will require strict attention to what you are doing. There is no time for day dreaming while you are holding a Kettlebell over your head (as is done in some exercises).
3)If you are training outdoors, never train facing into the sun.
4)Always wear proper flat soled shoes. Typical running shoes have an elevated heel. Proper Kettlebell form requires loading weight into the heels. If they are elevated by running shoes you will find it difficult to maintain and gain proper form.
5)Always pay close attnetion to your suroundings. When swinging a Kettlebell, make sure no one is walking in front of you.
6)Use proper "belly breathing" to pressurize your abdomen whenever your spine is loaded or is about to be loaded.
7)Build up to heavier weight gradually.
8)Do not allow the Kettlebell to band against your forearm during the performance of any exercise such as a snatch or clean.

Warning

"The more you do something, the better you get at it". At first glance it would seem that the truth of this statement could only be a good thing. It is, however, one of the single greatest hindrances to improved performance. Despite popular belief, practice doesnotmake perfect.Perfect practice makes perfect. The distinction needs to be clear in your mind before you begin any type of practice.

Simply getting your body over to your Kettlebells and regularly practicing will not necessarily improve your technique or help you reach your fitness goals. If showing up and practicing was the only requirement we could all be Olympic athletes. In order to get what you want out of your training you are going to have to concentrate on proper form, proper technique. In short, your degree of success is directly related to your attempts and ability at perfecting your form. The more you do something, the better you get at it. The more you practice with improper form the better you will get at that. The better you get at improper form the harder it will be to correct your errors.blockquote>

The above is an excerpt from the Agatsu Kettlebell Workbook visit for more info