Kettlebell Virgin Needs Advice

hantstc

Morning all, just bought a kettlebell set. I have a course coming up at the end of the year in how to teach a class. Has anyone used them before and what are the pros and cons? any feedback greatly appreciated.

MissB46

Love Kettlebells, been training with them for over 4 years now and not got bored yet! The only issues I have had is finding instructors that do know their stuff....I used to do classes and my instructor at my previous gym was brilliant, changed gyms since and most of them teaching are pretty pants so I now do my own stuff, and took most of my inspirations and workouts from a website called myomytv.com just purchased an 18kg competition bell which is pretty much all I need (the kettlebells in my gym are pretty pants - whoever designed them decided to coat them in some type of neoprene/plastic stuff - bye bye skin!)

hantstc

Hey MissB , I have heard that from a few people on my friends list, seems like ive been missing out. Really appreciate you coming back to me though thank you.

jdhcm2006

Kettlebells are the best. I recommend trying to find an instructor who is RKC or StrongFirst certified. You can take a few classes, get your technique in order, and then buy a few bells and do your own thing.

If you can't find someone in your area, BodyFit by Amy has a good video on proper swing technique and a nice 30 minute workout.

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

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DQbgWfAcxwU&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5&index=50

hantstc

that's awesome , thanks for the link, really appreciate it

myfelinepal

If you're a lifter it helps grip strength and explosivity. If you're just into general fitness it's an all over body workout that's equivalent to cardio and light weights combined. Technique is not simple, so it might not be the best equipment for outright beginners.

I followed this routine a while ago:

http://www.t-nation.com/workouts/10000-swing-kettlebell-workout

tahoekarin

I second finding an instructor who is RKC. I started on my own and finally found a good instructor, actually a kb gym called Iron Bodies outside of Boston. I actually think they started long distance training too. Made a huge difference in my swing!

savvyfantastic

Kettlebells are extremely high in AWESOME FUN factor. There is so much variety in things you can do. I do a lot of carries (one arm up, one down), swings, throws, catches, reverse burpees, etc etc.

http://maxwellsc.com/articles.cfm?art_id=3015&startrow=1

jdhcm2006

MrCthePT wrote: »

that's awesome , thanks for the link, really appreciate it

You're welcome. Here are a few more vids on technique that I like:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=q68QfoQyf6Q&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5&index=21

https://youtube.com/watch?v=49CYkuTN2RQ&index=22&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5

This one is on the Turkish Get-Up; however, don't attempt this one until you have your swing down perfectly. It's a more advanced move. I'm working on perfecting this move.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0T_6wKqLmyk&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5&index=24

And here's another workout vid by Virtual Skogg. This is a free vid he has on Youtube, all of his other full workouts you have to purchase.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=d0ehi9C-TtM&index=47&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5

Tip: be careful of kettlebell workouts on Youtube, a lot show terrible technique and form.

BodyFit by Amy just released a new kettlebell video. I haven't watched it, but I'm sure it's good b/c she's RKC certified.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=tiC0zylTB0w

WalkingAlong

livefitrevolution.org is terrific. She's rkc certified and has lots of live video classes and paper workouts, and lots of tips and instruction. I've had good results from her programs.

blukitten

Absolutely love kettlebells- have a set myself and learned proper technique with an RKC certified instructor-- hope you love them as much as everyone seems to!

Pros- easy, full body workout, cardio and weightlifting at same time, work all muscle groups

Cons- really really need to learn proper technique to avoid injury- but I think that's the only one

TeachTheGirl

I recommend looking into workouts by Pat Flynn.

I personally love kettlebells, I'm hoping to get a full range of competition bells when I actually have the room to store them!

DWBalboa

MrCthePT wrote: »

Morning all, just bought a kettlebell set. I have a course coming up at the end of the year in how to teach a class. Has anyone used them before and what are the pros and cons? any feedback greatly appreciated.

Self taught using this site;
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/finder/lookup/filter/equipment/id/10/equipment/kettlebells
It's the only site you'll need. They have videos for each exercise, explain the movements, dive into what the movement does and what it targets. You can filter your search for specific muscle groups. It's awesome.

hantstc

Thanks for all of the advice folks, really appreciate your feedback. Started using them this last weekend and man do I ache but totally worth it

lacewitch

I got 3 Kettlebells for Christmas ( 2x 6 and a 12) so i am busy copying all the advice. thanks for starting the thread and for all the really useful advice

hantstc

hey lacewitch , no worries, how are you finding them? I'm finding theyre working muscles I never knew I had !!!