The kettlebell swing is arguably one of the most effective exercises in the world, yet it is also one of the most technical movements. It is a full body ballistic exercise where you stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width, hinge your hips backwards while also squatting slightly and reach out with extended arms to grab the handle of a kettlebell placed 1-2 feet in front of you. A kettlebell is a heavy round object with a handle. It can be made of steel or cast iron, but may also been made of rubber, plastic and leather. You hike the heavy object between your legs towards your buttocks, as if you are hiking an American Football between your legs. Then, using the muscles of your legs, you must drive your feet into the ground with force standing tall quickly, while simultaneously swinging the kettlebell to your chest height with extended relaxed arms. This is the top of the kettlebell swing and is considered as one repetition of the exercise.
Once the kettlebell is at the top of the swing “floating”, it is up to you to properly time the “drop” (descent) of the kettlebell back down with control. One visual reference is to imagine your hips playing “chicken” with the kettlebell. The timing of this action is crucial to the safety of the exercise. Once the kettlebell is about 6-8 inches in front of your hips, that's when you simultaneously hike the kettlebell back between your legs with force while returning to the starting hinge/squat position (this is the bottom of the kettlebell swing) then in a split second you will, again, drive your feet into the ground with ample force, stand tall, and swing the kettlebell back up to chest height to generate another repetition of the exercise. In other words, you must correctly time when to hinge/squat the hips back and down as the kettlebell is descending in preparation for another rep. Then there must be enough force applied into the ground with your feet and legs to perform the next repetition safely.
As effective as the kettlebell swing is, it is very complex with a lot of moving parts. Which is why any tool or method that helps teach the kettlebell swing properly or shorten the learning curve of this exercise, is valuable.
As such, a need exists for aiding in correcting the timing of the kettlebell swing and overall technique with instant feedback. Additionally, there is a need for identifying whether or not there is enough force applied into the ground to generate a safe and effective kettlebell swing.
A kettlebell swing hat may be described herein. The kettlebell swing hat may comprise a beanie cap with two holes at the crown of the beanie cap, a soft round ball with two holes through the soft round ball; and a sting with a first end and a second end. The string secures the soft round ball to the beanie cap by knotting the first end and the second end together.
The kettlebell swing hat may assist in correcting the timing of the kettlebell swing. It may give feedback on the proper way to squat/hinge during the swing, and showcase instant feedback on whether or not the individual is generating enough power into the ground to create a safe and effective swing. Overall the kettlebell swing hat may assist in fixing the overall technique and pinpoint any flaws within the exercise.
The kettlebell swing hat may be a simple and effective tool for providing immediate and effective results about a user's kettlebell swing. The kettlebell swing hat is merely placed on the user's head and the user may begin swinging the kettlebell.
The kettlebell swing hat may revolutionize how kettlebell coaches and fitness trainers teach the kettlebell swing to clients and other members within the fitness community.
This invention is described in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like reference numbers represent the same or similar elements. While this invention is described in terms of modes for achieving this invention's objectives, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations may be accomplished in view of these teachings without deviating from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The embodiments and variations of the invention described herein, and/or shown in the drawings, are presented by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention.
Unless otherwise specifically stated, individual aspects and components of the invention may be omitted or modified, or may have substituted one or more known equivalents, or as yet unknown substitutes such as may be developed in the future or such as may be found to be acceptable substitutes in the future. The invention may also be modified for a variety of applications while remaining within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, since the range of potential applications is great, and since it is intended that the present invention be adaptable to many such variations.
A kettlebell swing hat may be described herein. The kettlebell swing hat may be comprised of a beanie cap, a string, and a soft round ball. The beanie cap may have two holes, approximately 2 mm wide, cut into the crown of the beanie cap. The holes may be approximately 1 cm from each other. The soft round ball may also have two small holes cut into the middle; the holes may go all the way through the soft round ball. One end of the string may then be placed in one hole and out the other hole of the soft round ball until the soft round ball sits at a center point of the string. The thickness of the string may secure the soft round ball in place. The two ends of the string may then be inserted into the beanie cap, approximately 1 inch on each end of the string. The ends of the string may be knotted together inside the beanie cap to keep it securely attached to the beanie cap.
The kettlebell swing hay may assist in correcting the timing of the kettlebell swing. It may also assist in adjusting the overall technique by giving instant feedback on whether or not an individual is properly hinging/squatting during the kettlebell swing. Additionally, the kettlebell swing hat may pinpoint whether or not there is enough force being applied into the ground to generate a safe, effective, and powerful kettlebell swing. The kettlebell swing hat may not only expose any flaws within the exercise, but may also assist in correcting the overall technique of the kettlebell swing.
The kettlebell swing is arguably one of the most effective exercises in the world, yet it is also one of the most technical movements. It is a full body ballistic exercise where a person stands, feet slightly wider than shoulder width, hinges their hips backwards while also squatting slightly, and reaches out with extended arms to grab the handle of a kettlebell placed 1-2 feet in front of the user. A kettlebell is a heavy round object with a handle. It can be made of steel or cast iron, but has also been made of rubber, plastic and leather. A user hikes the kettlebell between their legs towards their buttocks, as if hiking an American Football between one's legs. Then using the muscles of one's legs, the user drives their feet into the ground with force standing tall quickly, while simultaneously swinging the kettlebell to chest height with extended relaxed arms. This is the top of the kettlebell swing and is considered as one repetition of the exercise.
Once the kettlebell is at the top of the swing “floating”, it is up to the user to properly time the “drop” (descent) of the kettlebell back down with control. One visual reference is to imagine the hips playing “chicken” with the kettlebell. The timing of this action is crucial to the safety of the exercise. Once the kettlebell is about 6-8 inches in front of one's hips, that's when the user simultaneously hikes the kettlebell back between their legs with force while returning to the starting hinge/squat position (this is the bottom of the kettlebell swing) then in a split second, again, drive their feet into the ground with ample force, stand tall, and swing the kettlebell back up to chest height to generate another repetition of the exercise. In other words, correct timing to hinge/squat the hips back and down as the kettlebell is descending in preparation for another rep. There must be enough force applied into the ground with feet and legs to perform the next repetition safely.
As effective as the kettlebell swing is, it is clearly complex with a lot of moving parts. Any tool or method that may help teach the kettlebell swing properly or shorten the learning curve of this exercise is valuable.
The kettlebell swing hat may be comprised of a beanie type hat with a soft round ball, attached approximately 8-12 inches above the crown of the user's head with a string. The kettlebell swing hat may be placed on the head user's head prior to beginning a kettlebell workout. The user may then follow the steps of a kettlebell workout, as described herein to start performing the kettlebell swing. When performing the kettlebell swing correctly the soft round ball of the kettlebell swing hat, attached to the string and hat, may swing up in an arching fashion, over the crown of one's head, and gently tap the back of the head at the top of the swing. Then as the user lowers the kettlebell, descending back down, the soft round ball may then reverse directions, swinging over the crown of one's head, and gently tapping just above the forehead at the exact timing of the bottom of the swing.
One objective of the kettlebell swing hat may be to correct the timing of the descent of the kettlebell swing or give you instant feedback on whether or not the timing is correct. In other words, when performing the swing correctly the soft round ball attached to the string of the kettlebell swing hat will not flail all over the place erratically hitting different parts of the head. Instead the soft round ball will flow directly over the crown of the head in a quick and smooth motion coming in contact with the top of the forehead at the exact time you are supposed to be at the bottom of the kettlebell swing.
The kettlebell swing hat may also give instant feedback on whether or not an individual is performing the hinge/squat correctly during the swing. In other words, if the user is hinging their hips back too little/too much or there isn't the correct balance between a hinge and squat during the swing, then the soft round ball may not hit the correct target points of the head at the correct time (For example, the back of the head at the top of the swing and just above the forehead at the bottom of the swing).
Additionally, the kettlebell swing hat may indicate whether or not there is enough force being applied into the ground to create a strong, powerful, and effective kettlebell swing. One very common incorrect version of the exercise is when individuals try to use their arms to lift the kettlebell during the ascent of the kettlebell swing, which may place a tremendous amount of stress on the shoulders. One reason for this may be because they are not placing enough force into the ground at the start of the upward trajectory of the exercise. For example, if a user is incorrectly swinging as described, and is wearing the kettlebell swing hat, the soft round ball attached to the kettlebell swing hat may not have the correct path or speed needed to hit the target points of the head at the correct timing of the swing. For example, the target points may be the back of the head at the top of the swing and just above the forehead at the bottom of the swing.
Overall, when performing kettlebell swings with the kettlebell swing hat on, the user not only may receive instant feedback on when the user is performing powerful, strong, and effective swings, but the user may also be given the proper feedback on when you are performing soft, weak, and inefficient swings, based on the path of the soft round ball and where it is hitting on the head of the individual. One tip to ensure the kettlebell swing hat is best utilized may be for the user performing the exercise to video tape themselves swinging the kettlebell with the kettlebell swing hat on. This way the user can also get a visual of where they may need improvements based off of the path and points of where the soft round ball is hitting on their head.
The kettlebell swing hat is a self-correcting device that may provide the necessary feedback to find out whether or not you are performing the exercise safely and correctly. The kettlebell swing hat is an improvement on current coaching tactics as it is a self-correcting device that requires no other assistance. The kettlebell swing hat may revolutionize how coaches and trainers are able to teach the kettlebell swing by providing instant and effective feedback.
The beanie cap 101 may have two holes 104, approximately 2 mm wide, cut into the crown of the beanie cap 101. The holes 104 may be approximately 1 cm from each other. The soft round ball 102 may also have two small holes cut into the middle; the holes may go all the way through the soft round ball 102. One end of the string 103 may then be placed in one hole and out the other hole of the soft round ball until the soft round ball sits at a center point of the string. The thickness of the string may secure the soft round ball in place. The two ends of the string may then be inserted into the beanie cap 101, approximately 1 inch on each end of the string. Each end of the string may be inserted to each of the holes 104 created at the crown of the beanie cap 101. The ends of the string may be knotted together inside the beanie cap to keep it securely attached to the beanie cap 101.
The Kettlebell Swing Hat is first placed on a user's head, then the user stands with feet slightly wider than shoulder width. The user may then hinge their hips backwards while also squatting slightly. Then, with extended arms, the user may reach out and grab the handle of a kettlebell that sits approximately 1-2 feet in front of the user. The kettlebell is then hiked between the user's legs towards their buttocks, as if hiking an American Football between the legs. Then using their leg muscles, the user drives their feet into the ground with force standing tall quickly, while simultaneously swinging the kettlebell to chest height with extended relaxed arms (picture standing tall, eyes forward, with straight arms). This position is the top of the kettlebell swing and is considered as one repetition of the exercise. At this point of the exercise the soft round ball of the kettlebell swing hat may gently tap the back of the head, when performed correctly. This tap of the ball on the back of the user's head may provide the necessary feedback on whether or not the kettlebell swing is performed correctly.
Once the kettlebell is at the top of the swing “floating”, the user must properly time the “drop” (the descent) of the kettlebell back down with control. One visual reference is to imagine the user's hips playing “chicken” with the kettlebell. The timing of this action is crucial to the safety of the lower back during the kettlebell swing. Once the kettlebell is about 6-8 inches in front of the user's hips, that's when they simultaneously hike the kettlebell back between their legs with force while returning to the starting hinge/squat position. This position is the bottom of the kettlebell swing. Once at the bottom of the swing, the soft round ball of the kettlebell swing hat may gently tap the top of the forehead. This will give the necessary feedback to indicate whether or not the kettlebell swing is performed correctly. After briefly being at the bottom of the swing, in a split second the user may then, again, drive their feet into the ground with ample force, stand tall, and swing the kettlebell back up to chest height to generate another repetition of the exercise.
In other words, the user must correctly time when to hinge/squat the hips back and down as the kettlebell is descending in preparation for another rep. Then there must be enough force applied into the ground with the feet and legs of the individual to perform the next repetition safely. At both the bottom and top of the swing, the soft round ball will give the necessary feedback to the user on whether or not they are performing the exercise correctly or not.
One very common incorrect version of the kettlebell swing is when individuals try to use their arms to lift the kettlebell during the ascent of the kettlebell swing. This may place a tremendous amount of stress on the shoulders. One of the main reasons for this is because the users may not be placing enough force into the ground at the start of the upward trajectory of the exercise. If the user is incorrectly swinging like this with the kettlebell swing hat on, then the soft round ball attached to the hat will not have the correct path or speed needed to hit the target points of the head at the correct timing of the swing. For example, the correct timing and target points may be the back of the head at the top of the swing and just above the forehead at the bottom of the swing.
Overall, when kettlebell swings are performed with the kettlebell swing hat on, the user may not only receive instant feedback on when they are performing powerful, strong, and effective swings, but they may also be provided feedback on when they are performing soft, weak, and inefficient swings. This information may be based on the path of the soft round ball and where it is hitting on the head of the individual. One tip to ensure the kettlebell swing hat is best utilized may be for the user performing the exercise to video tape themselves swinging the kettlebell with the kettlebell swing hat on in a few different angles. This way the user may also get a visual of where they may need improvements based off of the path and points of where the soft round ball is hitting on their head.
The kettlebell swing hat may will assist in correcting the timing of the kettlebell swing exercise. It may also assist in fixing the overall technique by giving instant feedback on whether or not an individual is properly hinging/squatting during the kettlebell swing. Finally, it may pinpoint whether or not there is enough force being applied into the ground to generate a safe, effective, and powerful kettlebell swing.
Additionally, the kettlebell swing hat may be used simply as a beanie cap to keep the user warm.
Examples of Bad Kettlebell Swings
In a first example of a bad kettlebell swing, the bottom portion of the swing may be too hinge. In this example, the user swinging the kettlebell is hinging their hips back too much and not “squatting” enough into the bottom of the swing. If the user was swinging the kettlebell correctly, then they would have their eyes slightly up onto the horizon with their knees under their hips, and their hips slightly under their shoulders. Creating a greater than symbol (>), allowing the soft round ball to come in contact with the correct target point just above the forehead. However, here the user swinging the kettlebell has their eyes straight down with hips too high which doesn't allow the soft round ball on the kettlebell swing hat to come into contact at the correct target point of the head at the bottom of the swing. This is a major indicator of an unsafe kettlebell swing. Instead the soft round ball is way too far out with the string fully extended and doesn't correctly showcase a safe, powerful, and effective swing.
In a second example of a bad kettlebell swing, the top portion of the swing may use too much of the user's arms. In this example, the user is utilizing too much of their arms during the ascent of the swing. In other words, the user is not using enough force from their legs, core, and butt to perform a correct swing, but instead is using their shoulders to lift the kettlebell up with slightly bent arms. As a result of this, the soft round ball stays behind the head during the duration of the swing and does not correctly showcase the proper form of the swing. Plus, by swinging incorrectly like this the soft round ball does not come in contact with the correct target point behind the head at the top of the swing to indicate good form of the swing. If one was swinging the kettlebell correctly then one would be in a tall standing plank position with extended arms straight out from the shoulders and the soft round ball would be coming in contact with the correct target point behind the head at the top of the swing. In order to have the soft round ball come into contact with the correct target point at the back of the head at the top of the swing one must drive their feet through the ground with force while standing tall with intention and allow the kettlebell to float up to shoulder height with loose arms.
Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many modifications and variations of the above may be implemented without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims. Thus, it is intended that the following claims cover the modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application is in the field of kettlebells. This application is a Non-Provisional of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/309,165, filed Feb. 11, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63309165 | Feb 2022 | US |