Is your trainer qualified to teach kettlebells?

Kettlebell training is fantastic. It offers far more bang-for-your-buck than regular gym training, as you learn to train your muscles as they were designed to move - in concert with each other rather than in isolation. Kettlebell training is so effective because you burn fat at an incredible rate, whilst building strength, fitness & endurance, as well as flexibility & mobility - all at the same time!

Recently I have seen a local facility offering kettlebell classes to it's members and to the public. I am all for kettlebell training, whether it is with me or with somebody else, but I am deadset against people jumping on the bandwagon and teaching (or trying to) kettlebells when they really do not have a clue.

Kettlebell training is VERY different to conventional training. Like anything else though, if it's done correctly it can have huge benefits. If it's done incorrectly you are just setting yourself up for injuries. To become certified as a kettlebell instructor you will do as much, if not more learning, training, performing & coaching as you would with the highest levels of fitness qualifications out there. You cannot become a credible instructor in a few hours - regardless of whatever other fitness qualifications you might have to draw knowledge/experience from. A true qualification will require you not only to attend, but to perform & coach to a high level.

If you want to reap the amazing benefits of kettlebell training, your instructor should teach under one of the following 3 organisations:

AOS (Art Of Strength - Punch Kettlebell Gym under Anthony Diluglio)

IKFF (International Kettlebell & Fitness Federation under Steve Cotter)

RKC (Russian Kettlebell Certified under Pavel Tsatsouline)

Yes, there are a few other credible organisations out there such as the AKC under Valery Fedorenko, but largely any reputable kettlebell certifying organisation will be following from the above 3 (4 to include the AKC).

So next time your fitness centre or trainer offers you kettlebell training, question them. Ask them to explain a specific technique. Why are you doing that movement? What muscles are you working? What should you be concentrating on? What shouldn't you be doing? What can you do to improve your technique? What certification do you have? If the instructor cannot give you immediate, credible answers to these simple questions, not only are you wasting your time with them, but you are risking injury.

If your instructor has qualified through a mainstream fitness body, looking for another REPS badge, it is probably advisable to walk away. If they are teaching with plastic kettlebells, walk away. At best, you will never reap the rewards kettlebell training is famous for, at worst you will injure yourself. Find a genuine instructor who understands how to lift correctly, and your health & fitness will skyrocket to new heights.

Challenge everything, especially yourself.

Alex Kay Grimmer.