It's not enough that I participate in physical activities or events. Now that kettlebells are such a big part of my life, I'm always up for carrying them with me for an additional challenge. In September, I took my 25 lb. kettlebell on a hike up a mountain. It took every ounce of energy I had but I successfully ascended and descended the mountain clocking in around 3 hours total time and nearly 4 miles of distance. I figured walking a 5K with a kettlebell would be a breeze. Therefore, it made sense to up the stakes by bringing a heavier kettlebell for this flat terrain walk. However, after some consideration, I stuck with my 25 lb. kettlebell.

I'm not sure how often the average kettlebell enthusiast works out during the week. Myself, I like to do 5 days in a row (Monday - Friday) for 20 minutes each day. In order to sustain that frequency, it's important that I leave a little bit in the tank as they say. However, once or twice a month, I make it a point to go all out and torture myself with a grueling workout. Why? Sometimes it is out of guilt, especially if I've had a poor day of dieting prior to that workout. Other times, it's just because I want to test my limits and gauge how much my body can handle.

The term mobile has become synonymous with portable technology and devices these days. A simple search query of this single phrase really makes clear the shift in the definition over the past decade. It's a bit ironic, however, since the device itself moves around yet we stay fixated to it and stationary the majority of the time. Don't get me wrong, this technology has certainly made life easier and things more convenient than ever. Unfortunately, it also does a great job of distracting us from proper self-care and maintenance.

The great thing about Instagram is that there's always someone new to discover no matter what your interests are. For instance, Coach Sarah is followed by a few of my favorite kettlebell Instagram accounts. However, I just happened to come across one of her latest posts in one of my hashtag feeds. In the video for that post, her combination of speed, agility, and grace is simply amazing. Definitely deserving of a break-down!

A typical kettlebell will either be made from cast iron or steel. Sure, there are others that have a vinyl covering or even ones that are made completely from rubber. However, they are prone to wear and eventually might break or crack. If you're just starting out with kettlebells, you'll probably want to invest in a light weight or a small set of kettlebells. While I encourage everyone who begins kettlebell training to give it at least a month, inevitably there will be people who will try it once or twice and decide it's not for them.

While the information contained in my guide is straightforward, it doesn't mention the different types of kettlebells. Depending on where you do your research, you'll likely come across two main variations - regular style or competition style. I wouldn't go as far as saying that one is superior over the other. Rather it truly depends on what your personal goals are.