Dr. Sara H. Konrath - Weightlifting vs. Kettlebell Training lyrics

Abstract The present study compared the effects of 6 weeks of weightlifting plus traditional heavy resistance training exercises vs. kettlebell training on strength, power, and anthropometric measures. Thirty healthy men were randomly a**igned to 1 of 2 groups: (a) weightlifting (n = 13; mean +/- SD: age, 22.92 +/- 1.98 years; body ma**, 80.57 +/- 12.99 kg; height, 174.56 +/- 5.80 cm) or (b) kettlebell (n = 17; mean +/- SD: age, 22.76 +/- 1.86 years; body ma**, 78.99 +/- 10.68 kg; height, 176.79 +/- 5.08 cm) and trained 2 times a week for 6 weeks. A linear periodization model was used for training; at weeks 1–3 volume was 3x6 (kettlebell swings or high pull), 4x4 (accelerated swings or power clean), and 4x6 (goblet squats or back squats), respectively, and the volume increased during weeks 4–6 to 4x6, 6x4, and 4x6, respectively. Participants were a**essed for height (in centimeters), body ma** (in kilograms), and body composition (skinfolds). Strength was a**essed by the back squat 1 repetition maximum (1RM), whereas power was a**essed by the vertical jump and power clean 1RM. The results of this study indicated that short-term weightlifting and kettlebell training were effective in increasing strength and power. However, the gain in strength using weightlifting movements was greater than that during kettlebell training. Neither method of training led to significant changes in any of the anthropometric measures. In conclusion, 6 weeks of weightlifting induced significantly greater improvements in strength compared with kettlebell training. No between-group differences existed for the vertical jump or body composition. Health Genius Discussion It may be helpful to point a few things out about this study: - Again, this study did not set out to prove whether traditional weightlifting is necessarily better kettlebell training. - Clearly, kettlebell training is effective. - There are many more factors to exercise program design than just training for strength. - Kettlebell training could be contraindicated for some. - More research needs to be done.