Kettlebells?

raytastic06
raytastic06 Posts: 28 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Im thinking of adding kettlebell exercise to my rotation. Not sure about what weight I should start at. And should I buy a whole set or just one for now. Any advice?

Replies

  • Jrbagels
    Jrbagels Posts: 18 Member
    Kettlebells can be pricey, and I wasn't sure if I would like it, so I followed this link to make my own:

    http://lifehacker.com/5821881/build-your-own-kettlebell-out-of-plumbing-pipes

    Works pretty good and the weight is adjustable.
  • Jrbagels
    Jrbagels Posts: 18 Member
    Can I add another question to your thread? I don't see kettlebells in MFP's exercise database. Does anyone know how to figure calories burned for logging purposes?
  • Fred4point0
    Fred4point0 Posts: 160 Member
    Five pounds would be a good start. You can always increase later. Also you can now buy Kettleworxs at Target. Price range from $40-$64...down from the infomercial price of $89.99.
  • yerfgirl
    yerfgirl Posts: 65 Member
    I'd recommend two different weights. You can go heavier on your squats and dead lifts. Try a class if that's at all possible before you buy to get a feel for it. A good instructor will help you with your form.

    Unfortunately kettlebell isn't in the database. Some have recommended using circuit training for the entry.

    Good luck.
  • chloebarge
    chloebarge Posts: 53 Member
    I've got a 6kg weight which i find pretty tough as i have very little upper body strength! I think it is a good weight to start on. I use my HRM to find out how many calories i burn :)
  • qtiekiki
    qtiekiki Posts: 1,490 Member
    I would start with 10 or 15 lbs.
  • KarenMary21
    KarenMary21 Posts: 5
    I bought one from walmart and it's perfectly fine. came with a nice, fun little DVD. Danskin now is the brand, 10 lbs.
  • Colleen_G
    Colleen_G Posts: 57
    I'd recommend two different weights. You can go heavier on your squats and dead lifts. Try a class if that's at all possible before you buy to get a feel for it. A good instructor will help you with your form.

    ^^^this! I use different weights for different movements. I may be able to deadlift 40lbs but I sure as shootin' can't do a high pull with that yet!

    Someone else said to try a class first...totally awesome idea.
  • selenametts
    selenametts Posts: 42 Member
    Can I add another question to your thread? I don't see kettlebells in MFP's exercise database. Does anyone know how to figure calories burned for logging purposes?

    I always log my kettlebell workouts as "circuit training, general" . If you have a HRM you could always use that, but I don't have on yet.
  • Sharyn913
    Sharyn913 Posts: 777 Member
    They can get pricey so start with a size you are comfortable with but is still a challenge. As it becomes easier, work your way up to heavier ones!
  • michellelhartwig
    michellelhartwig Posts: 486 Member
    If you are going to swing the kettlebell, you want to go a little heavier. I just started swinging, and I use a 35 pound kettlebell. The thing to remember is you don't want to have something that is too light, or you run the risk of injuring yourself. Advice given to me from my powerlifting sister-in-law.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KECZyLkHS_w
  • tameejean
    tameejean Posts: 197 Member
    I am *not* strong and I grab either the 15 or 20 in my bootcamp class. If you are going to spend the money, I wouln't go too low.
  • JessyJ03
    JessyJ03 Posts: 627 Member
    Search for a used sports good store in your area you will save some money. I know we paid 10.00 for a 5 lb kettlebell used. Brand new they are 15-20 here in Southern Arizona.
  • redpat74
    redpat74 Posts: 33
    I would buy the set because you will quickly move up and it doesn't make sense to start at 5 pounds only, then have to worry about purchasing the next weght up. Just saying...
  • qtiekiki
    qtiekiki Posts: 1,490 Member
    If you are going to swing the kettlebell, you want to go a little heavier. I just started swinging, and I use a 35 pound kettlebell. The thing to remember is you don't want to have something that is too light, or you run the risk of injuring yourself. Advice given to me from my powerlifting sister-in-law.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KECZyLkHS_w

    But you don't want to get a too heavy one either.

    http://www.randylahaie.com/blog/2010/02/dont-buy-a-kettlebell-until-you-read-this-because-size-does-matter/
  • michellelhartwig
    michellelhartwig Posts: 486 Member
    If you are going to swing the kettlebell, you want to go a little heavier. I just started swinging, and I use a 35 pound kettlebell. The thing to remember is you don't want to have something that is too light, or you run the risk of injuring yourself. Advice given to me from my powerlifting sister-in-law.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KECZyLkHS_w

    But you don't want to get a too heavy one either.

    http://www.randylahaie.com/blog/2010/02/dont-buy-a-kettlebell-until-you-read-this-because-size-does-matter/


    Very true!
  • sarah692
    sarah692 Posts: 136 Member
    Im thinking of adding kettlebell exercise to my rotation. Not sure about what weight I should start at. And should I buy a whole set or just one for now. Any advice?

    Walmart has a set of 3 (10, 15, 20) for $50.
    Also 20, 25, and 30 for $80.
    Not sure about shipping, when I got mine shipping was only $1 which is a ridiculously good deal.

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/3-Piece-Cast-Iron-Kettlebell-Set-Value-Bundle/15711147
    http://www.walmart.com/ip/3-Piece-Cast-Iron-Kettlebell-Set-Value-Bundle/15711152
  • mamagooskie
    mamagooskie Posts: 2,964 Member
    I have had to use them at the gym, when I do this bootcamp twice a week......I HATE THEM............wouldn't waste my money. I can do all the same exercizes with my dumbells and I find dumbells easier to hold.
  • chrisdavey
    chrisdavey Posts: 9,834 Member
    You can get adjustable ones. I'd recommend that.

    For women, I'd start with 8kg (17lbs) and for guys I'd start with 16kg (35lbs) for most movements.

    I generally stick to barbells for anything heavy though.
  • Jrbagels
    Jrbagels Posts: 18 Member
    Unfortunately kettlebell isn't in the database. Some have recommended using circuit training for the entry.

    Good luck.
    I always log my kettlebell workouts as "circuit training, general" . If you have a HRM you could always use that, but I don't have on yet.

    Thanks for the tip!
  • Qskim
    Qskim Posts: 1,145 Member
    Bump for later!
  • prettywittywise
    prettywittywise Posts: 3
    Don't know if anyone recommended this yet,

    Bob Harper's Kettlebell video is intense.... I mean I used a 4lb kettlebell the first time doing it. Now I use a 10lb regularly for the whole video. I do use a 25lb kettlebell standing alone, not during the video. (partially because I do everything from turbofire, insanity, p90x, yoga and running) You work every muscle group and do everything from burpees to swinging the kettlebell over you head, lifts, rows, balance, I mean I am sweating like crazy afterwards!!

    Kettlebells helped me through my plateau. Try a 4 lb and then get a bigger one!

    The most important thing to do is to learn proper form first. The video Kettlenetics by Michelle Khai is very very helpful in that! and has some easy videos with it!!

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