For about ten years, the kettlebell swing has been known as a potent strength and conditioning tool among trainers and athletes. The swing was around for a long time before that, being used by strongmen as far back as the nineteenth century. It is a dynamic move, involving the hips as a prime mover, with many other muscles contributing as stabilizers. The low back, upper back, and midsection all have a role to play in a proper swing. The swing is rhythmic and speed oriented, allowing you to train power, in a fashion that minimizes joint stress. Check out the video here.
Overlooked, at times, are the therapeutic applications of the swing. Because of the endurance component in the swing, lumbar stabilizers like the multifidus, and the quadratus lumborum are activated. This is stimulation that many of us desperately need, but can not get from other forms of resistance training. In talking with Dr. Wendy, I’ve learned how absence of back pain is correlated with these stabilizers endurance to a greater degree than absolute strength. This is substantiated by her clinical experience, and my clients as well. We’ve seen people who sit all day, have no hip/core strength, and are in constant pain, make a miraculous gains with the swing. Pain can be decreased, mobility can be enhanced, and your heart and lungs will get they’re work in at the same time!
So we have started the swing class, which is a half-hour class focused on all kinds of swinging, on Monday and Friday evenings at 5:20 PM. Contact the office to set up a free introductory class , so you can learn the swing and other fun kettlebell moves. Get started today!
