Three kilograms and more

Dear Golfer,

I’ve manged to shed about three kilograms so far in my little fitness campaign. I’m not setting the world on fire but I feel I’m doing ok, although I think it’s time to ramp things up a bit. I’m thinking if I can get a little fitter and stronger it can only help my golf.

So far I’ve been walking and mainly riding my bike (my bike was stolen yesterday so I’ll be needing an alternative!). A good friend and complete fitness guru, Rick Ravensdale, has been pushing me to keep using kettlebells. Kettlebells are an ancient Russian strongman tool, used for a century or two in Russia but only a fairly new invention here in Australia and the USA. Kettlebells are like a cannon ball with a handle attached which is then swung and lifted in a variety of ways. It turns out that scientific research proves that kettlebell training is more effective than most other forms of training.

Here’s what I’ve found out;

• You can train most areas of fitness simultaneously. If you’re keen to increase flexibility, improve strength and have greater endurance you can do it with this amazing little tool in one short workout
• The unique design of the kettlebell forces you to train harder. It’s not like a dumbell, the displaced mass increases the use of core stabiliser muscles – this happens, I’m told, without you even knowing about it
• Kettlebell training mimics primal movements of the human system. This means that the exercises are beneficial to everyday activity and sport. Much better than some of those abdominal crunch machines and other gimmicky devices that get sold
• I’ve also found out that some kettlebell enthusiasts believe that the kettlebell swing is on of the best exercises going around

The images below are of Rick performing a kettlebell swing.

Rick has been harping on about the importance of general training versus specific golf training. His advice is that I should focus on getting fitter and stronger in a general way, that this will help my golf game (not to mention my health and quality of life). His research and training has led him to believe that attempting to train specifically for golf or trying to mimic my golf swing during training is not a good thing. Aaron Baddeley has also told me the same thing. Something worth considering if you’re thinking about a golf fitness campaign.

I plan on doing some kettlebell swings most days. This should help improve the flexibility in my back and hips and help increase my strength. I can tell you after doing a workout yesterday I can understand why Rick says kettlebells give you a full body workout. I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck! I’m sure this is normal and that I’ll improve over time.

Don’t worry if you think this is a bit hardcore for you. These things come in a variety of weights and programmes can be set up for beginners (like me). They really are a lot of fun and the benefits seem to outweigh any early pain and suffering 🙂

If you’d like to learn more about kettlebells and how they can help improve your overall fitness then visit Rick’s kettlebell website, let him know I sent you and he’s sure to give you the 5 star treatment.

Let me know how you get on.

Cameron