Beginning weight for a kettlebell workout

when I went to my first kettlebell class I took along a 7.5kg bell (16.5lbs) and I really struggled with form and although I survived the session, I had the worst DOMS for about 4 days afterwards - the following week I took my 5.5kg bell and it was challenging but do-able - but I had been building up to that.

In the class that I go to people generally start off with a 6lbs bell and some people use the 3.3lb bell - it is all about proper form and getting the moves right - start off very low - get used to swinging the bell about and then build up the weights.

when you can do the round the world move (in between your legs in a figure of 8 with an upright stand to catch the bell inbetween) and the halo round the head move and the weight is easy as well as the ones where you do an upright press to lift the bell into the air and you can do it no problem - its time to increase the weight.

hope that helps.

edited to say, if you are not attending a class and doing it as a home workout, I would recommend the fitness blender site, it has a range of kettlebell exercises from beginner to advanced and is good for reminding you about form.

You are welcome - it's nice to feel like I know something for a change lol - I love my kettlebells - I have really noticed a difference in my waistline since I started using them, can't recommend them enough - cardio and resistance at the same time - great bang for your buck.

I use an HRM so I just created my own exercise on the custom tab and use that.

It really depends on the workout. My kettlebell class is high intensity cardio, lots of quick reps - I started on 4kg and am just moving up to 6. If it's less cardio-based, slower fewer reps then you'll need something heavier. Would suggest you start light and only move up when it feels do-able otherwise you might end up with bad form / an injury.