In a world of high-tech, gee-whiz gizmos, the kettlebell represents the old-school.  This simple one-piece barbell weight is a favorite of many Olympic athletes and other who need to do intense physical training.  It’s also commonly seen in police barracks, as law enforcement officers use it to toughen up before going out into situations where top physical form can save a life.  And now, some of America’s seniors are touting this basic fitness tool as a new “fountain of youth”.  Among our elderly population, there are more than a few of us who begin to search for ways to keep their bodies strong and capable into later life, for a variety of reasons.  Some of them are reporting that the kettlebell is delivering just what they are looking for.  But how can you get “extra years” from a lead ball?

Well, we know that a key part of retaining (or building) body strength is keeping core muscles (those around your trunk, abs, and spine) strong.  We know that developing core muscles protects the spine, and that to get this kind of training, you need resistance.  The weight of the kettlebell provides that resistance.  The handle of the kettlebell provides something else entirely: because the user needs to learn how to move the weight by “swinging” the kettlebell, this forces the body to “learn more range” of movement.  It works a variety of muscles that otherwise wouldn’t get much attention, and, over time, kettlebell activities lead to an astounding overall toughness that will stand an older body in good stead.

Beyond this, though, kettlebell enthusiasts are collecting more theories on how the routine is “de-aging” them.  One such tale is that the short-term aerobic activity of moving the weight gives users a “heart charge” where the body releases helpful hormones and endorphins.  

But, skeptics might counter, couldn’t you get this from running or spinning, or a whole bunch of other activities?

That’s where the kettlebell fans come back with some truly interesting ideas.  According to some who study the body’s spinal system, including the spinal fluid that gets distributed through the body, there’s a strategy involving “locking” the body that allows for better use of spinal fluid.  Moreover, they say, the unique practice of learning to swing a heavy weight around the body creates pressures on the spine that, when practiced correctly, serve to bring the spine closer to its natural alignment, or an alignment that promotes body strength and capability.

Obviously, say the critics, you can also get the opposite effect by just swinging the kettlebell around wildly.  That’s why experts are quick to point out that the benefits of the kettlebell will only come with supervised, accurate training routines.  But that doesn’t stop experienced users from pointing out the range of potential from kettlebell activities.  Another fundamental idea around kettlebell rejuvenation goes something like this: as many of us become dependent on pharmaceuticals, we tend to forget that sages over the centuries have also recommended physical activity as a healing solution.  For some, getting back to the innate capacity of the body to heal itself is the first step toward that fountain of youth.  How much of this works for any individual remains to be seen, but it seems evident that, in an age when the “dangers” of life are high fructose corn syrup, bacon and mayonnaise, and buttery croissants, a little advanced weight training and body agility routine might be just what the doctor ordered.