What is the free weight factor?
Another factor in the kettlebell difference is how the kettlebell is a very ‘free weight’. Free weights in a gym refer to the dumbbell rack and barbell with weights along side. In use, the weights are ‘free’ to move in a direction other than what you intend, so you have to stabilize the weight while performing the lift. More and more attention is coming to the importance of the body’s ability to stabilize while performing a task. With the gaining popularity of pilates, yoga and balance tools like the BOSU, more and more people are benefiting from the core strength that comes from having to stabilize during a workout. Kettlebells just takes this stability factor to another level by having to stabilize while holding a weight (possibly over your head!). Needless to say, many if not all the machines at the gym do not offer this benefit of building one’s core strength and stabilizer muscles by having to stabilize the weight during a workout.
