We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Beginner kettlebell

sbb4406
sbb4406 Posts: 65
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm curious as to what weight I should begin with. I plan on doing the Iron Core workout videos. On MFP, I've seen a lot of people say that women should start with 15-20 lbs, however reading amazon reviews I've seen people say that 5 lbs is good for a beginner. That's a pretty big difference lol
So I don't know what to do. I'm not very fit, and my upper body strength is awful... so what would you recommend? I've been looking at 15-18 lbs ones, but I honestly have no idea if I could use them or not and don't want to waste $30 and then have to buy a small one that'll only last for a few weeks. I don't want to get one so heavy that I hurt myself, but I don't mind if it's slightly too heavy for me and I have to work my way up to being able to finish a video. Thoughts? :(
If anyone knows of any cheap sets (like... $50 or less) besides the cement one on Amazon, that'd work out great too. lol

Replies

  • addisondisease
    addisondisease Posts: 664 Member
    Choose a weight that is challenging but allows you to finish the set. so if you set is 10 reps number 9 and 10 should be VERY hard.
  • carlye14
    carlye14 Posts: 53
    This might be out of your price range but Target has one by Jillian Michaels that is adjustable.I want to say it was around $85 or so. It looks pretty cool though! I've also been looking into kettlebells, and so far I think I will get the ones by Bob Harper just because they are formed to lay nicely against your forearms (ergonomic).
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I'm not an expert. But (IMO) 5 pounds is nothing in the kettlebell world. Women's starting range is more like 12 - 15 pounds.

    Look for less expensive equipment at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross, & Tuesday Morning. Not sure if this applies (Midwest) - Farm & Fleet had good kettlebell prices.
  • sbb4406
    sbb4406 Posts: 65
    I'm not an expert. But (IMO) 5 pounds is nothing in the kettlebell world. Women's starting range is more like 12 - 15 pounds.

    Look for less expensive equipment at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross, & Tuesday Morning. Not sure if this applies (Midwest) - Farm & Fleet had good kettlebell prices.

    Yeah, I thought 5lbs was nothing too. But I was looking at Jillian Michaels' Shred it with Weights video, and in the intro she has her 20 lbs kettlebell and is acting like it's a lot for her... and she's Jillian Michaels, if she can't handle 20 lbs I sure as hell can't lol. And in the actual workout, I think she and her girls are only using 5 or 10 lbs. So yeah... very confusing. lol
  • GigiBee824
    GigiBee824 Posts: 32 Member
    Try to go to a store and "play" with the kettlebells on display. Try a shoulder press and squat and see how the weight feels. Pick one that challenges you but isn't so heavy you won't be able to maintain form. I have 3 (10#, 14#, and 18#) since my lower body is much stronger than my upper body and using just one weight won't challenge all my muscles.

    10# is pretty light for a kettlebell, but I'm a beginner too and with some moves (turkish get-up, I'm looking at you) I just can't maintain proper form with anything heavier yet. it's better to keep good form than hurt yourself with poor form trying to use a weight that's too much at this point in time.

    Good luck!
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I'm not an expert. But (IMO) 5 pounds is nothing in the kettlebell world. Women's starting range is more like 12 - 15 pounds.

    Look for less expensive equipment at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross, & Tuesday Morning. Not sure if this applies (Midwest) - Farm & Fleet had good kettlebell prices.

    Yeah, I thought 5lbs was nothing too. But I was looking at Jillian Michaels' Shred it with Weights video, and in the intro she has her 20 lbs kettlebell and is acting like it's a lot for her... and she's Jillian Michaels, if she can't handle 20 lbs I sure as hell can't lol. And in the actual workout, I think she and her girls are only using 5 or 10 lbs. So yeah... very confusing. lol

    Sorry, but Jillian should have actually learned proper form before producing a video. Her form is AWFUL. For good form look for Iron core (Sara Lurie) or Lauren Brooks - these ladies are very good.
  • SomeMorr
    SomeMorr Posts: 220 Member
    I did a bootcamp that was heavy in to kettlebells and I had never used them before. My arm strength at the time was not good at all. I did between 10-12lbs and was struggling but was able to finish a 45 minute workout.
  • sbb4406
    sbb4406 Posts: 65
    Ty for the replies everyone :)
This discussion has been closed.

Categories