Are Kettlebells an effective way of strength training?

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:

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!

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.

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!

Kettlebells....... = AMAZING!!!!!

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 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.

Considering they're used on the biggest loser and by crossfit-ers, I'd say they have their benefits.

Anything that weighs something is good for strength training.... lol.