What results have you had from kettlebells?

emmab0902

I have just been introduced to the kettlebell swing by my man, but am doing it with a dumbbell for now! However it has inspired me to consider investing in a kettlebell or two so am wondering....

1) what sort of weights (in lbs) are good starters?
2) what results have you had from solely using kettlebells or adding them to your existing workouts?
3) are there any really good dvds or guides for beginners?

I am not very strong - currently doing the swing with two 4kg dumbbells - can do one set of 50 then much less reps after that!

Oh and also very interested if anyone has done kettlebell swings etc with a HRM - how many calories does it burn?

almarsala

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PhenomeNae

i'd start with a 8kg bell if i were you... then work your way up to a 10kg. working with bells is going to give you an amazing booty and legs, and a really strong core. make sure you concentrate on form or it won't give you all the benefits it should.

look up the dvds by Sarah Lurie... she's really good, and she takes into account that women would benefit greatly from it. I used to do kettlebells about 5 - 6 times a week, in her la jolla studio, for about 5 months. during that time i lost about 50 pounds of fat, dropped 7% of my bf. I had a long further to go, but i couldn't afford the classes anymore

TeachTheGirl

I use kettlebells at the gym. LOVE them.

I'm up to the 42kg bells for deadlifting. Swinging 20kg.

I am really interested in learning which weights are the best for home use too.

misssiri

I do kettlebells about 3x week. I usually burn 400-500 calories in an hour. I take classes though so the calorie burn is based on who is teaching it, if we do mountain climbers & burpees, an ab workout, squats, etc.

I've been doing it for about 4 weeks now. The weights I'm using are 18lb (for one arm presses, etc), 10kg, 12kg, and 14kg. I noticed on Saturday morning that what I thought was my heavy is now too light for 2 arm swings and dead lifts. I will be going up to a 16kg next time for heavy to see how I do.

sleepyjean88

I want to try kettlebells, they look amazing and kind of fun, I've been playing with one in my local sports shop, I so want to buy it haha

pinkwhisk

start with a 8kg kettlebell, and expect painful hamstrings!!

suziecue66

I just bought 2 books from Amazon on kettle bells:

kettle bells for women by Lauren Brooks. And
http://www.ontheedgefitness.com/

The Swing by Tracy Reifkind
http://tracysfoodandthought.blogspot.com.au/

Tracy's 100 lb weight loss story:
http://giryastrength.com/pdf/Vitalics.pdf

Just read first one by Lauen - really good. Really important to get form correct.

sgmomma

I'm buying a set of 3 5, 10, 15 lbs my kettlebell dvd should be here any day cant wait to start!

suziecue66

I'm buying a set of 3 5, 10, 15 lbs my kettlebell dvd should be here any day cant wait to start!

What program are you doing with it? Are you just going to do your own thing.

Bump.

Jo2926

I love kettle bells! The exercises are much different when you actually use a bell - something to do with centre of gravity i THINK, but I could be talking rubbish!

I add them to my usual routine, a few times a week for about 10 mins at a time. When I use them I find I have a tighter core area and tend to drop weight a bit quicker.

Try googling 'hardstyle kettlebells' and you'll find lots of good info for beginners.

ps - edited to add I have a 4kg and 8kg bell. The four kg bell is much too light now, but good for learning new moves. I'd recommend starting with 8kgs minimum

jjelizalde

Bob Harper has a really good beginner kettlebell program.

litatura

Ha, I feel wimpy after reading this thread. I started doing Shred it With Weights this month and I use a 10lb. kettlebell (in the video, JM recommends starting with 3-8 lbs.)

skullik

Bump for later!

40Marbles

Love, Love, Love my kettlebells!

The Swing by Tracy Reifkind is a great place to start. She also posts a lot of workouts on youtube, including one of the best instructional videos I've seen on how to choose the proper size. I've recently seen her book available in my library system - so there's an opportunity to try before you buy. I think the first chapter or so is available as a free preview on Amazon as well.

Artofstrength.com is another good resource. Anthony Diluglio posts "Minute Of Strength" videos which are very helpful.

AmyB69

Bump for later! Just bought the 10

kyrasmum

I personally started with a 6kg bell and soon worked up to an 8. I think you can also buy adjustable bells.
I have a lot of DVD's and think my favourite one is Lauren Brooks ultimate body sculpt and conditioning volume 2.
The results I have had are amazing. Got so much muscle definition in just 4 weeks and am so much stronger. I have tried getting into exercising for years, but just never really got myself motivated to stick at anything. I'm hooked on kettlebells though, love it!

ebonyroche

bump for later

PipBnz

i just got my first kettlebell, decided to start at 10kg......i only do what my trainer years ago had me doing, swings 5 sets of 20 swings....first day and i remember why i loved training with them so much before, the next day my hamstrings ached so bad, but the feeling that i've worked so many muscles is amazing.
Does anyone have any links to good sites that have pics but not videos for new exercises?
(my internet is too slow to run videos/youtube etc)

Elleinnz

Personally I think if you can do 50 swings with 8kg's you should be able to swing a 12kg kettlebell - don't swing it higher than your shoulders - the action should be in your legs and butt - not in your arms....

If I remember correctly you are in New Zealand - go to Rebel sport - they have a big range of KB's and try them out before you buy - dont go to light - rather do 20 / 25 reps - and do a few sets.

I incorporate KB swings in my leg routine - I also used to do KB shoulder presses - but have shoulder issues at the moment - so not allowed any lifts above my shoulders - for those you need lighter weights - 5 or 6kg's from memory...

coppertop_4

I was just gifted a set purchased on amazon
There are 3: 10lbs 15lbs and 20lbs.
There are TONS of video's on youtube
I feel stronger already!

MissPeppers

I've had great results with kettlebells!

Started with 9lb, then quickly on to 16 lb which I still use for warm-ups. I use 15lb for lighter workouts and quick snatches and usually 32lb for Turkish Get-Ups, clean-and-press, figure-8s, one-arm swings, halos, and 44lb for two-arm swings, rows, squats and so on. Want to get something heavier though; it's fun to get stronger!

brettalan128

I will do kettlebells until the wheels come off. Although I do a multitude of different exercises with them, after I learned them it has become str8 forward. When I do my kettlebell workouts (2 times/wk), I know that I am doing everything my body needs as it is the most dynamic workout that I know of. I also have segmented workouts that I integrate with resistence workouts. I have seen improvements with my flexibility, endurance, strength, grip and overall coordination. I feel in such good shape that I am considering getting into martial arts. I lift more weight than I was ever able to while solely doing resistence training.

The trainers at dragondoor know their stuff, and offer a wide range of videos that have detailed instructions. There are a couple videos that just have a workout regiment and are vague for instructions. There are a ton of exercises for kettlebells so look beyond just swings. Pavel and Steve Maxwell are the two masterminds for kettlebell training. Pavel is on Dragondoor. Maxwell is a 60 yr old guy that trains mma fighters, however he is not dragondoor.

While kettlebell workouts can be advanced, there is something for everyone. I am trying to get my parents at age 58 on them and I was even able to find a video on dragondoor that is targeted for people in their 40,50,60, and 70's. Their videos have detailed instruction and are not your standard infomercial workout vids.

The thing that I love most about kettlebells is that you can get a full workout without even having a gym membership that is soooo much better than the workout the clear majority of gym members get going to the gym. A kettlebell will cost 10.00-100.00 depending on weight but it will last lifetimes considering that it is pretty much a cannon ball with a handle. Get a good sturdy iron kettle bell and not one of them rubber ones. Learn a bunch of different exercises with the kettlebell so that you can have them in your arsenal and you will be set for life.

Yogi_Carl

http://www.kettlebell.co.uk/10-Reasons-to-use-kettlebells.aspx

cindy859

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castadiva

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Lupercalia

I absolutely LOVE training with kettlebells. There's so much I love about using them--the swing and snatch are great dynamic and ballistic full body movements that I just find really fun and powerful. I also enjoy the slower "grinds" and do tons and tons of cleans and presses. I also really love Turkish Get Ups--another really great full body exercise.

I've realised rather remarkable strength gains in a relatively short period of time, especially in my shoulders, back, torso, hamstrings, and glutes. Forearms and triceps as well. I've only been training with KBs since July 2012 and am thoroughly impressed.

I think it's important to make sure you're instructed properly in the execution of KB lifts, as you want to make sure you're working safely so as to avoid injury. I recommend seeking out RKC/Strongfirst certified trainers (someone already mentioned Dragondoor). IKFF is another good certification to look out for. I would discourage the use of most of the mass-marketed KB dvds, such as Bob Harper, Jillian Michaels, etc. and instead go for a DVD through dragondoor.com.

Tracy Reifkind is another wonderful resource. She has a book out called The Swing, and some great DVDs as well. Marianne Kane, of Myomytv.com has lots of quality videos and instruction on her site as well. I believe she's also offering video lessons via the internet on her site.

Yogi_Carl

Thanks Lupercalia - the advice I've been looking for.
(another KB addict)

jenbenefit

bumping this and saving for later as I want to buy some kettlebells on payday this month, really excited! Thanks to everyone for their advice x

flowernat

I love kettlebells. Using Lauren Brooks' DVD. Started with 15 pounds but they felt too heavy --like I was compromising form. I am using 10 pnds now, I think I may have to go back to 15 soon as they are starting to feel lighter.

flowernat

I personally started with a 6kg bell and soon worked up to an 8. I think you can also buy adjustable bells.
I have a lot of DVD's and think my favourite one is Lauren Brooks ultimate body sculpt and conditioning volume 2.
The results I have had are amazing. Got so much muscle definition in just 4 weeks and am so much stronger. I have tried getting into exercising for years, but just never really got myself motivated to stick at anything. I'm hooked on kettlebells though, love it!

My favorite too!