Kettlebells

[DD-7]

I'm thinking of getting in to kettlebell workouts. I'm in decent shape. I workout three or four times a week but am pretty bored with the normal weights and cardio routine.

Anyone tried them? Any advice for a novice?

 

[Turtle]

I took a kettlebell class about 1 yr ago for 2 months. I think they are well worth the investment. I bought two 12kg and two 16kg kettlebells after the class was done so I can just do the workout at home. I haven't kept up with the workout as much as I should have though.

I do recommend them. The exercises dont isolate one muscle set as in lifting weights at the gym. Kettlebells exercises tend to involve more total body muscle work, especially core muscles since they help stabilize you in your movements. Also if you use less weight, more reps, less time between each movement you will also get a good cardio workout at same time, trust me you will be breathing hard. Also, using less weight will help prevent injuries. With kettlebells form is key, just as it is in weight lifting. Good form will prevent injuries. There are plenty of workout DVDs available too. You could even learn some of the exercises just by searching youtube.

I say go for it, you may like to too. Good luck.

 

[DD-7]

Thanks Turtle.

Those are the exact weights (12kg and 16kg) that I was thinking about buying to start out with.

 

[RockyBalboa]

I started using kettle bells in January of last year and in one year I've lost 76 pounds (and counting). Of course, I ate better, but all I did was interval training and kettle bells. Well worth the investment.

Best deal I've found for them have been at Play it Again Sports.

 

[l00p]

You are wise to start low. When you advance safely to higher weights you can still make use of the lower weights for a final set or for the higher rep routines for cardio. Have fun and enjoy discovering muscles you forgot you have.

 

[WhoseHouse]

What size kettlebells would you all recommend for a small female in relatively good shape? (I do yoga so I have a strong core but I haven't lifted weights in quite a while) It seems like the minimum is 16kg, that sounds heavy!

 

[Bookman]

In reply to:

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[WhoseHouse]

Alright, I got a kettlebell. I thought it came with workouts on DVD but it doesn't. Do any of you have one that you recommend? Do I need two kettlebells?

 

[RockyBalboa]

For most DVDs you'll need two. My favorite program is from Mike Mahler. The ones from dragon door are pretty good as well. Although, you can jump on youtube and find tons of exercises demonstrated, put together your own workout.
The Link

 

[l00p]

Check Half Price Books to see if they have any manuals or books on them. You can call them instead of going to each location. I think they will have it brought over to the location closest to you if a store has one.

Some of the youtube videos are amazing.

 

[Genco]

Kettlebells are great workout tools. You don't need a dvd. Everything you need to know is published online or available on youtube.

My only advice is...form, form, form. For Christ's sake, sacrifice weight if it gives you better form.