Kettlebells are a relatively new addition to many exercise classes. They look like a ball with a handle and are used for building strength. They can be used with a variety of exercises and can provide yet one more way to shake up your routine and add variety to your workout. Learning to use them properly is important, and there are certifications to help you do so.
History
While they are new to the fitness world, Kettlebells were originally used by Greek athletes thousands of years ago. The early bodybuilders of the 1900’s preferred them for their strength training workouts. By the mid 1900’s dumbbells were sold with handle attachments to turn them into Kettlebells. At this time they were used in Europe, Canada as well as America. The first Kettlebell competition took place in Russia in 1948, and soon after it became the national sport. Today personal trainers use them in their sessions and many health clubs offer classes with Kettlebells and to help add variety to their class schedule.
Time Frame
The actual certification process is quick. Getting certified in using Kettlebells level-I involves taking a weekend course. There is also a level-II course with more advanced exercises, which runs over weekend as well. If you want to take your training even further, there is a Functional Movement Specialist certification. This program teaches you to assess your client’s movement patterns and the teach exercises that will help to correct any abnormalities or weakness. This course runs over weekend time frame as well.
While the certification process is quick, you must be physically strong enough and adapt at the actual exercises first. Depending on your current fitness level this could take some time.
Features
In a level-I Kettlebell certification course you will start by learning how to lift the kettlebell correctly, the functional movements used in a Kettlebell class, learn to monitor your clients and correct their form and technique, and receive instruction on incorporating Kettlebells into other workout routines. In a level-II certification course you learn more advanced exercises and how to test your clients strength. To pass you must be able to demonstrate your ability to do demonstrate exercises like the pull up, pistol, windmill, bent press Viking push press, and the clean and jerk.
Considerations
Since these courses are only a weekend long they assume you have some knowledge of anatomy and physiology. It is an investment as the basic level one course could cost over $2,000. If you do not pass the test the first time, you may have to pay an additional $500 to retest. Level two certification is approximate $2,700. The Functional Movement Specialist certification cost close to three thousand dollars.
Warning
If you are going to start training with Kettlebells in preparation for certification, make sure you train in person with an instructor. The Kettlebells weigh anywhere from eight pounds to close to two hundred pounds, and many of the movements involve swinging the Kettlebell into position. You need to have a properly trained instructor watch your form as this type of exercise can have a high risk of injury. Once you know how to monitor your own form and lift the Kettlebell correctly, you can then train at home with DVD’s.
_______________________________________________
For more information about personal trainer education, please visit our website.
