Kettlebells

babsc01

Hi folks...this is my first created topic. I've been with MFP for a while now, and been up and down with losses and gains. This time I find myself very dedicated and excited about losing weight and getting in shape. My wife, son, and I have joined a local gym, and we love it. We take a "Foundations" body-resistance circuit training class 4 times per week, and all three of us are showing good results since mid-October. In addition, we work out at home with our treadmill, various weights, resistance bands, etc...and also with the body weight exercises we're learning at the gym.

I'm finding myself to be obsessed with kettlebells, though. I enjoy using them, and I've done a good deal of research on their use and benefits. I purchased a 3-bell set for the family for Christmas, as well as a heavier one for myself. I am very eager for it to arrive so I can work with it at home.

I've designed a good circuit routine for my use at the gym, which is LOADED with kettlebells. I also have access to a Level 3 certified IKFF instructor at our gym, and she's been a great help to me.

My question to all of you is this...for general weight loss and strength training (I'm at 314 now, with a goal of 200), do any of you prefer kettlebell training over training regimens, such as Stronglifts 5x5? With all of the research I've done, I'm seeing a great deal of PROS for kettlebell training and not many CONS.

Thanks, MFP team, for any advice you may have. I'd also be interested in hearing about any 30- or 45-minute kettlebell training regimens you use.

amann1976

you shouldn't stick to one routine. for one it gets boring and your body also gets use to it.

i mix kettlebells in with my workout routine a couple days a week

squats on the bosu ball

swings combined with squats

when i really want to get the heart pumping i do one handed alternating swings while skipping side to side

victoriannsays

I agree with the above post - switch it up.. I had a workout I did consistently for awhile and I got SO bored with it. I started a new routine this week and fell back in love and became way more motivated. Find ways to fit kettebells into your week, but keep a dynamic workout plan!

babsc01

Thanks to both of you! The kettlebell circuit I do on my own is never the same week-to-week, and I enjoy that I'm able to do SO many different exercises with these things. I think that's part of my "obsession" with the kettlebell, and also the reason I so much enjoy working out with kettlebells.

astrampe

Agree with switching it up - and kettlebells is great for both cardio and strengh! I did stronglifts (boring) and running, then kettlebell bootcamp & running, then Chalean Xtreme, now P90X and when that's done in March it's going back to heavier kettlebells and running season!

mareeee1234

I'm loooving kettlbell squats lately!!

teryx123

agreed, mix it up, but like you I love kettle bells! I have 2 that I juggle and heavier bells for certain routines. Lots of fun and very intense!