KETTLEBELL FAQ

The Kettlebell FAQ page answers the most popular questions asked about kettlebells. Gain a better understanding of the workout.

What is a kettlebell? 

A kettlebell is a cannonball with a handle. The kettlebell handle is offset from the kettlebell’s center of mass. This requires you to use all of your stabilizing muscles to hold onto the bell. A kettlebell that is the same weight as a dumbbell requires more work to stabilize. The kettlebell is one of the best tools to improve strength, power, conditioning, flexibility and. Kettlebell training is one of the best ways to lose fat—Kettlebells range from 4lbs to 114lbs.

What is the history of kettlebells?

Kettlebells came to Russia in the 18th century. In ancient Greece, they trained with kettlebells. Valery brought kettlebell sport to the U.S., and Pavel brought hard-style – his own kettlebell training to the U.S. For both, this was in 1999.

Why is kettlebell training so effective?

You combine your strength and cardio in one workout. You can work your strength and cardio within 30-45 minutes instead of 1-2 hours, and you get twice the results. With kettlebell training, you are not working one body part at a time; you are working your entire body with each exercise.

What types of people train with kettlebells?

Men and women of various ages and fitness levels. At Hillcrest Kettlebells, we train athletes, college students, professionals with desk jobs, and grandmas and grandpas!

Why is strength training so important?

If you have more muscle, your metabolism is higher, so it’s easier to burn fat and lose weight.

Why train at Hillcrest Kettlebells?

Online Zoom Classes range from 5-12 people, so you are essentially getting personal training in a small group setting. Farrah Lin teaches all of the classes, so you won’t have various trainers training you that aren’t familiar with your strengths and movement restrictions.

I haven’t worked out in years, is kettlebell training right for me?

Yes! During two intro one-on-one training sessions, Farrah will assess your movement and teach you the main kettlebell exercises with your fitness level in mind. This is why the first two training sessions are one-on-one instead of in a group setting. Farrah will also give you homework so that you can maximize your kettlebell experience.

I like to zone out when I workout.  I don’t like to be mentally engaged when I workout.  Will kettlebell training be right for me?

Kettlebells do take a mental concentration because you always want to be aware of your form and performance. One of the wonderful things about kettlebell training is that it is mentally engaging and helps the time go by fast!

I prefer personal training.  Does Hillcrest Kettlebells offer personal training and how does personal training differ from classes? 

Yes! We offer personal training anytime that we don’t have classes. Each personal training client is personally assessed, and their workouts are individually tailored to attack their weakness and reach their individual goal.

Why don’t you offer a monthly fee for unlimited classes?

We only want to charge you for what you use. This is also more economical for you to attend other fitness studios without breaking the bank. If you are sick or go on vacation, you will not be paying for a gym membership that you can’t use. Other studios use the monthly fee to lock clients in and get their money even if they aren’t using the facility. And the class packs and personal training packs don’t expire!

I prefer to train at home can you help me?

Yes, I enjoy teaching others how to train with kettlebells correctly, and I will not pressure you to continue personal training and/or online Zoom classes with me. If you have any questions down the road with your training, you’re welcome to book more sessions with me.

I would like to get certified to teach kettlebells can you help?

Yes, we have trained 7 people for the HKC, and they all passed! We trained two people for the RKC, and they both passed. One went on to get certified in SFG level 2. Farrah assisted the RKC in 2010 and studied under master SFG Brett Jones for two years after giving birth to her first son.

Can you train with kettlebells during and after pregnancy?

If you trained with kettlebells before pregnancy, you could definitely continue training with kettlebells throughout your pregnancy unless your physician says otherwise. You can resume kettlebell training 6 weeks after giving birth with your doctor’s approval. Farrah Lin trained with kettlebells during both of her pregnancies and has helped many women train with kettlebells during and after birth.

I play sports, can kettlebells help my performance?

Yes, kettlebells will help improve your strength and endurance, both necessary for sports performance. Due to years of kettlebell training, Farrah started Capoeira(a physically demanding martial art) at age 40. And George can surf and bodyboard daily.

How often should I train with kettlebells if I would like to loose weight? 

3-4 times per week with minimal dietary changes. If you cannot train with kettlebells 3-4 times per week, you will need to make more dietary changes. Here is an excellent resource for diet info Precision Nutrition | Nutrition Certification, Coaching & Software. I recommend following Precision Nutrition on Instagram and/or Facebook. The Metabolic Effect Diet by Jade Teta and Fat Loss Happens on Monday by Josh Hillis and Dan John are excellent books that can help you on your fat loss journey.

How often should I train with kettlebells if I would like to improve my strength and conditioning?

2-3 times per week.