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Paige Waehner

Exercise of the Week - Kettlebell Low Windmill

By , About.com Guide   October 13, 2009

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I've been strength training for a long time and one result of long-term training is a fierce dislike of certain exercises. This dislike often originates from familiarity - do a million crunches over your lifetime and they eventually lose their ability to thrill. That's just one reason I'm all about new ways to work the core and this windmill exercise is an excellent choice if you want something new to try.

Kettlebell exercises are known for their functionality and the low windmill is no exception. This whole body movement builds a strong back as well as the abs (particularly the obliques), arms and shoulders - all with a bonus of working on balance and stability. Another version is the high windmill, which involves holding the weight in the upper hand.

If you don't have a kettlebell, you can use a dumbbell, although you may not get the same challenge - the center of gravity is in a different place when you're using a kettlebell as opposed to a dumbbell.

Do it right: Hold a medium kettlebell or dumbbell in the right hand, turning the right toes out and the left toes forward. Take the left arm straight up and lean to the right, kicking the left hip out and bending the right knee as you lower the weight towards the floor. Make sure you keep the left arm straight and look up at that hand for more of a challenge. Straighten back to start, keeping the left arm up and repeat for 8-16 reps before switching sides.

Comments
October 13, 2009 at 3:39 pm
(1) azrul :

I think we need to understand the facts of fat, calories, diet and metabolism. I lost 20 pound for 1 and a half months and it’s really amazing. Check out my fat burning source and how you can burn fat 9x faster than the normal workout or cardio. I also place some foods that help you lose fat and So much good advice for who need their target shape. U will feel so much confident and amazing with the changing.

June 24, 2011 at 11:46 pm
(2) Arnie :

Well put, sir, well put. I\’ll crtealiny make note of that.

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