Muscles Used in Halo Exercise Workouts

According to the American Council on Exercise, a study conducted with the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, reveals that kettlebells provide better lifting results than traditional weights. A kettlebell is shaped like a ball and has a handle so you can hold it easily while exercising. The halo is one exercise that requires the use of a kettlebell. The halo benefits your entire body, but might help tone and define certain muscle groups more effectively than others.
Core Muscles
When you execute certain movements holding kettlebells, you might increase their effectiveness. Kettlebells are an effective way to build and tone your muscles in a shorter amount of time compared to traditional weights. The halo requires you to move a kettlebell around your head in a circular motion. As you twist your abdominal muscles to form the circle, you are strengthening your internal and external obliques, and your rectus abdominis.
Lower Body Muscles
Your legs and rear end help you maintain your balance when you exercise. When you perform a halo exercise holding a kettlebell, your thigh and gluteus maximus muscles work harder to keep you upright. It might be difficult to execute the exercise without moving your feet and legs. Robyn Bova and Paul Bova, authors of "Body Strong Kettlebell Blitz: Beginner Program," recommend squeezing your thigh and gluteus maximus muscles while doing the halo. This will help prevent you from arching your back and give your gluteus maximus, hamstrings and quadriceps a more effective workout.
Upper Body Muscles
Your arms might benefit the most from the halo exercise. A kettlebell is a weighted piece of exercise equipment that can help tone and define your biceps and triceps. As you move the kettlebell around your head in a circular motion, all of the muscles in your arms are engaged. You also engage your chest, or pectoral muscles, as you move the kettlebell around your head.
Instructions and Considerations
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold your kettlebell in both hands with the handle facing down. Move the kettlebell in front of your body at chin level. Keep the kettlebell low and close to your body. In one movement, slowly move the kettlebell around your head and back to the starting position. Repeat the exercise eight to 12 times. Do the move slowly to get the most benefit. Gradually increase the weight of the kettlebell you use. As your muscles get stronger, the kettlebell will not give you as effective of a workout. Choose a kettlebell that is 2 to 5 pounds heavier each time you add weight.