Iron Kettlebell Fitness

You see it all the time in the gym, the guy or gal doing endless rep after rep in an attempt to tone their muscles.  For some reason, we have been sold this false hood that muscle tone corresponds directly to the number of reps you can perform in any given exercise and for any given body part.  In short, that statement could not be further from the truth.

Muscle tone is a result of one thing, strength.

Muscle tone defined it the residual tension in a relaxed muscle.  This is caused when the nervous system keeps the muscles partially flexed, even when you are relaxed.  Your nervous system is in a more alert state in preparation for the time when your muscles will be called into action.  Those who do not exercise or are not calling on their muscles to contract regularly get soft because the nervous system starts to relax the muscles knowing that they will not be used anytime soon.  That’s a simple way of putting it but you get the idea.

This residual tension in the muscle can only be achieved by making the muscle stronger.  If you have been paying attention, you know that we get stronger by lifting heavy weights, and doing so for low reps.

Also, don’t confuse flabby soft muscles for fat.  You can be super strong and have great muscle tone and have fat that bounces when you walk.  The obvious solution there is to get rid of the fat that is covering your muscles.

So, if muscle tone is what you are looking for, forget all those wussy high rep exercises and get down to the business of getting strong.

Kill It!

Dennis

Check out my latest Kettlebell Training video here.

Before entering into a fitness routine, especially one that incorporates exercises with a kettlebell, be sure to consult with your physician or medical professional to be sure you are healthy enough to begin a strength and conditioning regimen.  Be sure to learn the proper way to perform each lift and complete each exercises in strict form employing a spotter when applicable.  In other words, if you hurt yourself, it’s your fault.