Kettlebells and Weight Loss

Researcher John Porcari Ph.d of the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse recently published an article about the use of Kettlebells (KBs) in weight loss.

Before I get to the study I want to add a little about kettlebells. First, they're fun to use and yes you'll get your heart rate up. Second, they won't bore you to death because you can do so much with them that every workout can be new. Lastly, you can get a great workout in a short amount of time.

The study included 10 men that ranged in age from 29-46 years old (all were experienced with KBs). They performed KB swings as well as other KB movements. The participants fitness levels were measured before and during the workout testing heart rate, oxygen consumption and blood lactate. The results showed that the participants burned an average of 20 calories per minute (20 minute workout). That's about the same as running a 6-minute mile.

The average person burns about seven calories when lifting weights. Thus, twenty calories per minute is a significant amount.