When to use kettlebells in weight loss

mancuniangirl74

Hi everyone,

Newbie here so apologies if my question appears simplified.

I have been steadily losing weight (2.5 stone)by following eating plan and using walking or wii fit.

I do have kettlebells and have been reluctant to use until I lose more weight(been my mindset!!) I have probably 3-4 stone to go. Think always thought muscle would hinder the number on the scale if I am being honest.

Thank you for your help

CealFool

The short answer? Whenever you feel comfortable using them.

The longer answer? I wouldn't be too afraid of adding muscle. You might see a temporary gain on the scale from your body getting used to the new exercise and retaining some water, but muscle is only going to help you, long term, for losing weight and keeping it off because it's more metabolically active. But the fact of the matter is that actually gaining muscle mass takes active work. By using the kettlebells, you'll be helping preserve the muscle mass you already possess, which I promise you, you do want long term.

Congratulations on your 2.5 stone weight loss and whatever you decide, keep at it!

mancuniangirl74

Thanks a lot for your help

Look to start and follow a programme and combine and become less fixated on number on a scale(easier said than done).

CealFool

Honestly, if you're a little fixated on the scale, try following the NSV thread under the Success Stories board. Sometimes that's exactly what I need to remind me about all the other changes happening in my body.

sijomial

You don't use kettlebells to lose weight - you use them while losing weight (and when maintaining weight, or when gaining weight....).

Resistance training is of particular benefit while losing weight to signal your body that you need to preserve your muscle. If you want to be happy with your body when you get to goal then start using them now - don't wait.

Sorry but I don't understand this at all "Think always thought muscle would hinder the number on the scale if I am being honest."
Apart from being metabolically slightly more active it's hard to gain muscle in a deficit and even if you do if you are in a calorie deficit it cannot stop you losing fat. The mindset should be that you want to lose fat, not just lose weight.

lorrpb

Strength training will help you retain muscle while losing fat. Otherwise you will lose both muscle and fat. I strength trained fro day 1 of my 150 lb loss. It doesn’t have to be kettlebells, but they’re a great tool.

SnifterPug

In the words of Nike - Just Do It. Not sure where you are but given the entire world is likely to have to go into lockdown of some sort at some point, probably for around 3 months, maybe take those three months as a long term project. Dial back on checking the scale every day, dial up on good nutrition (as much as you can in the face of all these ghastly panic buyers) and dial up on your physical training. I already told my personal trainer he won't recognise me at the end of this - in a good way (apart from the long grey hair through lack of hairdressers!)