Kettlebell Exercise

angeladawnwright

I was just wondering if anyone has done the kettlebell exercises? My local gym has a beginner class. I wanted to get some reviews before I tried it out. Thanks!

debubbie

I love working out with my kettlebell, I don't do it often enough though. It is a tough workout, but really works your entire body.

_runnerbean_

I've used kettlebells for a few years (on and off). The technique is very important so try to find an instructor who has trained properly. Also, don't start with too low a weight - sounds like the opposite of what advice you would expect but it is hard to swing properly if your bell is too light. I started with a 6kg kettlebell but very quickly moved up to 8kg-16kg depending on the exercise. It's great for core fitness and does cardio at the same time.

the_nerdgasm

It's hard! I did my first workout yesterday, and it was just a 10 minute video with 5 lb and 10 lb kettlebells, and I gave up after 8 minutes because my arms were exhausted. Mind you, I haven't exercised in years, so you might be starting off in a different place than I was, but damn. My upper arms are feeling it today!

angeladawnwright

Thank you! That is my worry, my arms feeling like jello. It won't hurt me to at least try it once and see.

KBjimAZ

Do it. Used properly, kettlebells can change your life....and make you a bad azz.

Vegas_Don

There are great benefits to kettlebell training, however I recommend working on your core as well, hopefully your instructor has incorporated some core exercises into your regimen. You will ache in places you never knew would ache, & you will develop calluses right above your palms. A small price to pay for a strong fit body. After a while you wil become tolerant of the pain as you increase the loads. I highly recommend Pilates on your strength training off days. I hope I was helpful

tdruff01

It is a great workout and if done right you will be very sore within 2 days. Fight though the soreness because it goes away after 24-96 hrs and is well worth it!!!

rybo

KB's are great, make sure the instructor is a good one. RKC, HKC or strongfirst certified

angeladawnwright

Thank You! I am excited to try it out.

gingerzinger

Give it a try. I took a few kettlebell 6-wk boot camp sessions last year and loved it!

I had no idea what I was doing in the first class, but with some encouragement from the trainer I stuck with it and was glad I did.

Once I got the swing of it (ha!), I found more confidence in my own abilities and noticed that I would push myself harder at all other activities.

Our classes involved instruction, practice and then a circuit work-out which would incorporate various kettlebell swings, core work, push ups, burpees, squats, etc. It was a challenge and you'll definitely sweat and ache the next day.

blossomingbutterfly

I ADORE my kettlebells. I just simply adore them. Strength training and cardio in one. And I can do it at home. I have a 5 lb, a 10 lb, and a 15 lb at home and I use Fitness Blender videos online. And I just go, go, go! ADORE IT!

takumar

It's a very time and energy efficient- you hit several muscle groups at once. I was on it for more than a year with good results but a fall off a ladder caused some compression fractures in my back. Doctor's orders- no more kettlebell. Otherwise I'd still be swinging away.

jdhcm2006

rybo wrote: »

KB's are great, make sure the instructor is a good one. RKC, HKC or strongfirst certified

Agreed! If you cannot find a class that has a certified instructor, I like BodyFit By Amy's kettlebell workout on Youtube. She's RKC certified. She also has a video on how to do a proper swing.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=bMQHAmCXJAI&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5&index=51

jdhcm2006

extremelygrumpycat wrote: »

I ADORE my kettlebells. I just simply adore them. Strength training and cardio in one. And I can do it at home. I have a 5 lb, a 10 lb, and a 15 lb at home and I use Fitness Blender videos online. And I just go, go, go! ADORE IT!

Be careful with Fitness Blender, some of there videos display incorrect form. It's worth it to go to a class or two to make sure you get the form correct.

_runnerbean_

Your arms might ache a bit when you first start but watch your form - you should be moving the weight with the power from your core, not "lifting" the kettlebell with your arms.