Written by Damian Fante
If you're like me you're thinking, "What in the world is 'EMOM'?" EMOM is an acronym for every minute on the minute. This is how I've been managing most my workouts, especially when I'm short on time. Gone are the days of me trying to lift heavy weights at the local gym. For starters, I don't even have a gym membership anymore. I started working with kettlebells during COVID and have made them my main form of exercise.
As I've gotten older my body can't bounce back like it used to. I'm sure I'm totally alone in that area but, in case I'm not, I'll keep going. Lifting heavy was getting hard on my body and my desire to do so was declining. I wanted to stay healthy and be in shape but I didn't want to dread working out. I've never been a workout enthusiastic. It's more of a necessary evil. Lifting heavy was something I did for a lot of years but I really didn't like it.
During COVID I dusted off some old kettlebells of ours and started going on Instagram looking for workouts. I found some good accounts that I'll list below. I found the movements involved in kettlebells engaged my whole body so I was gaining more overall strength as compared to static movements. Another thing I hate is cardio. However, if you're doing dynamic movements with kettlebells or doing EMOM you definitely get your heart rate up.
Kettlebells also don't take up a lot of space and you can do them pretty much anywhere. You do have the investment of kettle some kettlebells but compared to other home gym equipment it is relatively inexpensive. 2-3 kettlebells of varying weights is a decent place to start. I'd like to get matching pairs of kettles to do dual movements but I haven't gotten that far yet. The weights I personally use the most often are 45 lb. and 35 lb. I do have a couple lower weights that I use on occasion. If I want to go a little heavier I have a 60 lb. and 80 lb. as well. As with most weight training lighter weight more coordinated movement is better than heavier, sacrificing form.
Hopefully I've peaked your interest into kettlebells. Maybe it can be a form of training that really works for you. Of course the best form of exercise is the one you'll do but, possibly, if you're looking for something different, kettlebells will be right for you.
*Make sure you warm up before you start. I have a short 5-10 minute routine I do. It's a necessity as we age.
5 reasons why I like kettlebells:
1. They engage the whole body (or most of it) in most of the movements. Everything has work together so you get more overall strength.
2. Most of the movements require you to engage your core. Core strength is so important to overall strength. I don't even bother doing crunches anymore and my core is way stronger. Plus, my stomach is my trouble area so a tighter core helps my clothes fit better and my self esteem to be a little higher.
3. I don't have to leave my house. I workout in the garage. No extra drive time needed. Plus, no excuse to not do it.
4. You can get a lot done in a short amount of time.
5. With dynamic movements I can only lift as much weight as I can handle for each part of the movement which encompasses different body parts. That helps me ward off injuries because it's harder to blow out one body part.
I love to use my oils to wake me up in the mornings to get me going before I workout. A cup of coffee helps too.
Here are some kettlebell Instagram accounts I follow:
@kettlebellwarrior
@everygotdamndre
@primal.methods
@kettlebellkings
@emommonday
@coachcariii