Kettlebell Users...help please?

MzKym31
MzKym31 Posts: 8
edited January 12 in Fitness and Exercise
I've been hearing a lot of good stuff about the kettlebells...just want to get some feedback from mfp family. How do you feel about using kettlebells? Is it a good workout? Right now I do cardio 5 to 6 days a week...how many days per wk would you suggest using the kettlebells? What are the cal burns like? All feedback is welcome!! Pros & cons? Thanks in advance!!!

Replies

  • Yogi_Carl
    Yogi_Carl Posts: 1,906 Member
    I just finished a 30 minute kettlebell/callisthenics workout and the calorie burn was just over 500 calories.

    I love to work with the kettlebell because it takes lifting weights right back to it's roots and takes you away from the complexities of weight machnes, squat racks and all the rest of the equipment that takes away the feeling of just working with your own body.

    I do Yoga and progressive callisthenics and love to see what I can do with just the body I have and an exercise mat, so kettlebell fits in well there.

    How often? Well I also swim twice a week, take in two yoga classes and practise my own yoga every evening so I manage to fit in at least one KB session and if I have it left, I pull in a second in a week.

    Results - I can guarantee to lose a pound of body fat any week I fit in a kettlebell session and that's with eating back half of the workout calories, so there must be some metabolic effect to kettlebell work as well - not just the calories burnt in the session but also during rest and recovery.

    It's fantastic; go for it!
  • Jo2926
    Jo2926 Posts: 489 Member
    I LOVE kettlebells! They are an amazing mix of cardio and strength and I have seen excellent results. I would suggest using twice a week instead of your cardio, with a day rest between (or a normal cardio day).

    The calorie burn is awesome! I burn about 500 in 40 mins.

    I suggest a DVD such as Iron Core (or this man on youtube does a beginners series http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u_nqSnM2S8 )

    Make sure you buy a decent weight kettle bell that feels comfortable to hold. Don't get an adjustable one, they just are not the same.

    The one downside - you might become addicted!!
  • luvred51
    luvred51 Posts: 163 Member
    bump.
    Thanks for sharing.
  • jimmie65
    jimmie65 Posts: 655 Member
    I do my kettlebells 3 or 4 times a week. Great strength training, as well as cardio.
  • MzKym31
    MzKym31 Posts: 8
    Thanks a bunch for the feedback...will add them to my workout plan!!!!
  • tigerblood78
    tigerblood78 Posts: 416 Member
    Make sure you start out easy.....and have PROPER form....kettlebells are awesome...but it's easy for beginners to hurt themselves by not using good form....be careful!!
  • Topsking2010
    Topsking2010 Posts: 2,244 Member
    Bump
  • KidP
    KidP Posts: 247 Member
    ...and...don't skimp on the weight. Often people will think that starting out with a 5 lb kettlebell is the way to go because that's what has been advertised with/on dvds. A good instructor will know what weight to start you off with so that you are forced to develop good form when learning - otherwise, with too light a weight, it's easy to think you've got the form worked out when in reality you don't.

    Calorie burns can be really good, but again, they're a product how much you do (reps), what exercises you do & how much weight you use. The 2 handed swing is a great exercise to start out with because it does burn a fair amount of calories & isn't too hard to get started with. Snatches will burn a lot of calories when done with a good weight.
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    3 days a week for kettlebell. It's an amazing workout. Most DVDs are very poor because they instruct you using improper form. Get instruction from an RKC certified instructor first or you'll hurt yourself!
  • kellykneppergrundy
    kellykneppergrundy Posts: 234 Member
    I'm nearly 32 weeks pregnant and still doing kettlebells 3 times a week. I love them! I burn about 10 calories a minute for an intense routine and more like 8 calories a minute for a less stenuous session. Fitnessblender.com has some great kettlebell workout videos that are free. I can see a massive difference in my arm strength (I was like a T-Rex before) and no longer have bingo wings. I love that they are inexpensive and that it can be done at home when I have time. I use a 6kg at the moment but plan to go up in weight once the baby is here.
  • ellew70
    ellew70 Posts: 222 Member
    Make sure you start out easy.....and have PROPER form....kettlebells are awesome...but it's easy for beginners to hurt themselves by not using good form....be careful!!

    This. Watch your back especially. Kettlebells may not be for you if you have wrist problems like carpal tunnel. Otherwise, they are great fun and a good way to work in some variety.
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