Are Kettlebells an effective way of strength training?
ElizaDnl
Posts: 46
I'm trying to decide whether to book a Kettlebell class or brave the weight room in my work's gym. Is there anybody who knows about both and can compare them and advise me? Thanks!
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Do both! Because kettlebells use a dynamic motion there's a strong aerobic element so a class will be more like a circuit class. They'll probably use lighter weights with high reps because of the duration of the class, so some nay-sayers will say it doesn't count as strength training.
However if I only have time for one exercise in a day I'll do kettlebell swings. It uses lots of muscles at once and burns calories too, and I credit it with helping me wear skirts without my thighs rubbing together this summer!
If you brave the weights room, get a gym trainer to show you the ropes, or check out technique in a book like New Rules Of Lifting for Women or Google "beginner's weight training" for some ideas. There's certainly nothing to be scared of.
Good luck! :flowerforyou:0 -
I haven't dared do the weights yet and got zero encouragement from the trainer I asked, but I do enjoy my kettlebell workouts. Best thing is I can see a lot of the movements echoing real life, ie, I don't lie on a bench pushing things up in real life, but I do have to lift things onto shelves etc. I'm not saying no to the weights, just that my kettlebells experience has been more positive so far.0
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If you're using the kettlebell properly with good form and a variety of movements they're probably one of the best/most diverse pieces of equipment you can use. I have them in my home gym and love them!0
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Kettlebells rock. They are versatile, great from strength training, core training and cardio training, work multiple major muscle groups. Cannot reccomend them highly enough.
As previously mentioned, correct form is imperitive, take a class or two and then see how you go.0 -
I have used Sarah Lurie's Iron Core Kettlebell workouts now for 6 months, several times a week. They are 25 minute workouts. I have worked my way up from one ten lb kettlebell to two 20 lb kettlebells (about 1/3 my body weight). I have also lost 11 lb though the exercise and a low calorie deficit via tracking on MFP. Last night there was a friends gathering and I got a lot of comments on to the effect of " you look buff". or "you look thin". When I was the same weight previously and running regularly, I never got those comments. I think that is because my upper body is now toned for the first time in my life. My arms/neck.upper chest are usually more visible than my legs, and that is what people see. Incidentally when I was the same weight previously from running, I was also a size larger. Somehow the kettlebells are really effective at toning all over. I also enjoy the workouts, it's a lot easier than running, which I had to decrease due to my hurting knees.
So definitely a convert here. Incidentally we have learned entirely from the Sarah Lurie videos as well as youtube technique videos, I don't belong to a gym.0 -
Jillian Michaels also has a good intro kettlebells video available on Amazon - its a good way to try it out at home (you can use a hand weight) to see if you like the concept. I think in an either-or situation the kettlebells are a good way to go since you get cardio and core at the same time as strength training.0
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Kettlebells rock. They are versatile, great from strength training, core training and cardio training, work multiple major muscle groups. Cannot reccomend them highly enough.
As previously mentioned, correct form is imperitive, take a class or two and then see how you go.
^This 100%! I use them all the time with my trainer and LOVE them!0 -
Agree Kettlebells good. But must know how to use correctly so as not to hurt yourself. Class or a couple times with a trainer highly recommented.0
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Kettlebells....... = AMAZING!!!!! 0 -
I do both :-)
Kettlebells are much more of a cardio workout too rather than just strength, especially things like swings. I'd go to a class or two to make sure you have the proper technique, and then add them to your workout routine!
If you use them at home, I have an app for my phone called 'fitness buddy', it has loads of kettlebell exercises along with photos of how to do them properly and a desciption of which body parts they work, so you can mix up your workout and keep it interesting :-)0 -
Jillian Michaels also has a good intro kettlebells video available on Amazon - its a good way to try it out at home (you can use a hand weight) to see if you like the concept. I think in an either-or situation the kettlebells are a good way to go since you get cardio and core at the same time as strength training.
The Jillian Michaels kettlebell DVDs are awful. The form she illustrates is very poor form and will get somebody hurt. She has been heavily criticized for using very poor form that you can only get away with when working with the very light weights she has people using. Moving up to heavier weights and following her cues you WILL injure your back.0 -
Oops- must have crossposted with above. My comment is much milder.
I love Jillian workouts but her kettlebell workout does not emphasize form enough for beginners. Basheera actually has better form than Jillian does. Similarly the kettleworx program also does not emphasze form. Form is probably the most important thing in kettlebell training.0 -
I do both. Form is critical for both. I would say if you have a class available to you, you should take it. Make sure in the class they are actually TEACHING you proper form and technique not just how to burn a bunch of calories.
I can't imagine for a second learning kettlebells at home from a dvd. Though, I guess it would depend on how heavy they are.0 -
KB's vs. DB's are virtually the same thing, each just has a different center of gravity which will stimulate the muscle you're working differently.
A KB class is probably a little more cardio oriented whereas strength training is strength training. I could be wrong but that's what I've observed at my gym with those "strength training" classes.0 -
Thank you for your input, everybody! :flowerforyou: Sounds like Kettlebells are well worth trying!0
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do a kettlebell class it will motivate you more, more sociable, and you'll have a routine to follow ie the instructor, going to the weights room you may get lost in all the weights, reps sets. kettlebells are great for strength and conditioning. if you want to build huge muscle which i doubt you do then that can only really be achieved in the weights room.0
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Considering they're used on the biggest loser and by crossfit-ers, I'd say they have their benefits.0
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kettlebells are freaking awesome. Use heavy ones (as in not 5lbs)... they are great! and brave the weight room. do it all!0
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Anything that weighs something is good for strength training.... lol.0
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Yes yes yes, I use 12 or 18 (my own at home) or up to 24, depending on what we are doing, start of light and build up slow....... Love them and yes they work ...................... xxxxx Weight weights weights xxx0
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Please be sure to learn form from a certified Russian Kettlebell instructor and not Jillian Michaels.....kettlebell swing is an awesome workout. Tracy Reifkind is pretty amazing....it's not super exciting but you will work your butt off.0
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I personally HATE kettlebell but they are a great workout. Be sure to take a class because if you get the form wrong then you will REALLY screw up your back.
Good luck. I say give it a try.
I did take classed with a place that does only kettlebells but left when I came to realize I just didn't like it for my exercise. I still do them from time to time with my trainer.0 -
Anything that weighs something is good for strength training.... lol. Agreed. I usually do bicep curls with my groceries while carrying them into the house, but it's time to move on to bigger and better things! 0
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I love my kettlebell work outs. Unfortunately, I live in an area that doesn't have a gym let alone kettlebell instructor. I have learned everything from dvd's. I work out to Lauren Brooks and Sarah Lurie, both RKC's. I also have Lauren Brooks's Kettlebells for Women book. Obviously not as good as having personal instruction but it's the next best thing. I started with a 10 lb bell, went to a 15 lb bell and now have an 18 lb bell. I am looking to move up to a 12 kg bell for lower body exercises. As everyone else said before, form is key. I one time looked down while doing overhead swings, so I rounded my back and pulled a muscle in my lower back. Very painful and took almost a week to heal. I now make sure to look straight ahead (or up at my kettlebell) and make sure to keep my back straight.0
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It may be best to ask the women that were squatting and deadlifting over 100lbs in less than a month of training what they think.0
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I have kettlebells at home and at at the gym. I should do more....they are brilliant!!!! 0
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Jillian Michaels also has a good intro kettlebells video available on Amazon - its a good way to try it out at home (you can use a hand weight) to see if you like the concept. I think in an either-or situation the kettlebells are a good way to go since you get cardio and core at the same time as strength training.
The Jillian Michaels kettlebell DVDs are awful. The form she illustrates is very poor form and will get somebody hurt. She has been heavily criticized for using very poor form that you can only get away with when working with the very light weights she has people using. Moving up to heavier weights and following her cues you WILL injure your back.
I have to agree with this! I have no kettlebell training, but I knew she wasn't demonstrating them properly or safely. However, the kettlebell set was worth it!0 -
I have used Sarah Lurie's Iron Core Kettlebell workouts now for 6 months, several times a week. They are 25 minute workouts. I have worked my way up from one ten lb kettlebell to two 20 lb kettlebells (about 1/3 my body weight). I have also lost 11 lb though the exercise and a low calorie deficit via tracking on MFP. Last night there was a friends gathering and I got a lot of comments on to the effect of " you look buff". or "you look thin". When I was the same weight previously and running regularly, I never got those comments. I think that is because my upper body is now toned for the first time in my life. My arms/neck.upper chest are usually more visible than my legs, and that is what people see. Incidentally when I was the same weight previously from running, I was also a size larger. Somehow the kettlebells are really effective at toning all over. I also enjoy the workouts, it's a lot easier than running, which I had to decrease due to my hurting knees.
So definitely a convert here. Incidentally we have learned entirely from the Sarah Lurie videos as well as youtube technique videos, I don't belong to a gym.
Hi Scrappy25,
Many thanks for the posting on Sarah Lurie and Ironcorekettlebells....have just ordered the DVD. I do do kettlebells, but I wanted something to help me more xx0 -
I`m one workout off finishing Kettleworx 42 programme....Best programme i`ve ever done and can`t wait for level 2 to start next Monday...0
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