Turn Up The Heat

CONSIDER THIS YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR BUILDING A HOTTER, STRONGER BODY – FAST

SUMMER IS A TIME FOR FUN.

Cue: bright colours, steamy flings and, of course, exciting workouts. Everyone wants to look their best come the season of skin and the key is to challenge your bod in fresh ways. Enter the kettlebell: a functional, bell-shaped piece of equipment that can help sculpt muscles and torch calories. “Kettlebells are more user-friendly than barbells or dumbbells,” says trainer and kettlebell specialist, Missy Paris. “Plus, you can use them to get in a killer cardio burn without your feet ever leaving the ground.”

Unlike with other weights, a kettlebell’s load is centrally located, which makes it easier to get from point A to point B in a swift motion. “A lot of exercises we do with the bell mimic the way our body’s naturally intended to move,” Paris says. Kettlebells also place greater demands on your stabilising muscles, core and coordination, leading to (potentially) bigger results.

This workout plan, created by strength coach Dan John, pairs high-rep strength moves with dynamic stretches. “It combines mobility, strength and cardio,” he says. The yin-yang approach will help you not only rev your goals in the gym, but also build strength that translates far beyond it. The best part? Once you track down a kettlebell, you’re: Ready. To.Go.

FOCUS ON FORM

A kettlebell’s offset design makes good technique especially important. For starters, keep your wrists straight (bending them raises the risk for strain and doesn’t let you transfer power as effectively between your body and the bell). Be sure to activate your entire foot, from heel to toe, to create a stable base.

TIME TO WORK