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    Can anyone recommend Kettlebells?

    Posts: 1,906 Member
    edited January 4 in Fitness and Exercise
    I've heard good reviews about Kettlebell workouts and I am kind've tempted to have a go, but I'm not sure what I could expect from it.

    I've heard you get a good cardio, but I can't see how you could if your feet are rooted to the spot and you are just swinging your upper body around. I've heard you get a good strength workout, but I can't see that either as the weight spends most of its time in a weightless swing before you catch up with it at the top of the swing and start the next one.

    But I've read reports from folks who have seen improvements in both cardio and strength and have seen a reduction in bodyfat as a bonus. Myth?

    Why it appeals to me - I like unconventional ways to work out. I like to climb ropes, hoola hoop, clean and press barrels and sandbags, swing from bars and find weird ways to do push-ups and it goes well with my love of yoga. I like green gyms and all that stuff. I know - I'm weird - but I'm (usually) happy.

    I'd like to hear anything - good or bad, before I waste my money on a 16K kettlebell. :drinker:

    (edit: spelling)

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    Replies

    • Posts: 8,329 Member
      you can do all types of things with kettle bells, not just swings. i really dont get how people think that's the only workout you can do..

      i do presses, jerks, turkish get ups one armed deadlifts .
      there's nothing inherently fat burning in kettlebells since the same moves you do with them can also be done with dummbells as vice versa. the main difference is where the center of gravity lies which can change the exercise just a bit.

      for instance i can do swings with a 16k kettle, a 35 pound weight plate and a 35 pound dumbbell and they all feel a little bit different because of how i'm holding the weight, but i am moving almost the same amount of weight
    • Posts: 1,906 Member
      Core strength and balance is important to me as well, so I'm thinking kettlebell would be an ideal addition to my training. Thanks meshashesha.
    • Posts: 408 Member
      My only suggestion for the kettlebells is not to hit yourself in the face with it. Otherwise, it's a weight with a handle on it for easier usage. There are plenty of sites with suggestions for specific workouts for cardio or strength training or both, depending on how you use it.
    • Posts: 1,906 Member
      My only suggestion for the kettlebells is not to hit yourself in the face with it. Otherwise, it's a weight with a handle on it for easier usage. There are plenty of sites with suggestions for specific workouts for cardio or strength training or both, depending on how you use it.
      Past experience?
    • Posts: 534 Member
      There are few exercise that will burn more calories than working out with kettlebells:
      http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20100212/kettlebell-workouts-burn-calaories-fast

      I think you're misconception about the benefits is probably being driven by using, or thinking about using, too light a weight. Done properly, you will extensively use your legs to drive a kettlebell swing. Here's a simple test for you: If you can take the kettlebell and lift it out straight in front of you, it's too light. You need a bell you can't lift that way so you HAVE to recruit your legs and core to keep the swing going. In addition, as another poster stated, there are lots of other kettlebell exercises. Turkish Get-Ups, the Clean & Press, and Snatches, are all awesome kettlebell exercises.

      FYI, Pavel Tsatsouline, the father of the American kettlebell movement, recommends beginner women start with an 18 lb bell and men start with a 35 lb bell.
    • Posts: 1,178 Member
      My wife uses them consistently (not for weight loss) and has improved her strength and tone amazingly. I use them also, but not as much as I should. One big plus is that they fit in the living room without having am intrusive set of weights.

      I can get a very fast cardio uplift with 30 swings and done properly that will work out the core and thighs.

      Advise you get a trainer to start with, you can easily injure yourself pulling a muscle from using the wrong style - apart from the obvious hitting yourself between the legs.
    • Posts: 1,906 Member
      OK thanks. I couldn't hold 15K out in front of me so that 16K I'm looking at would be about right. I'm taking a shine to this idea.
    • Posts: 2,169 Member
      Make sure your form is correct - otherwise you can injure your back - Angie Miller had a good dvd series that explains form really well....
      And before you say again you can't see the cardio or strengh benefits, go play with one - I can guarantee you you WILL get the best possible workout in a short time.....
    • Posts: 1,906 Member
      Make sure your form is correct - otherwise you can injure your back - Angie Miller had a good dvd series that explains form really well....
      And before you say again you can't see the cardio or strengh benefits, go play with one - I can guarantee you you WILL get the best possible workout in a short time.....

      Thank you astrampe - I think I have to rise to that challenge to go and play with one and I'll let you know what I find. Thank you!
    • Posts: 97
      You can get a very good workout with kettlebells. It combines weight and cardio. I have a DVD called Kettle Worx and it is pretty good. There are others as well.
    • Posts: 106 Member
      Yes, as most everyone has previously said, Kettlebells are a good investment in your workout routine. They're definitely worth the money. It's a surefire way to feel sore the next day if you have a heavy enough weight and are executing the moves correctly. For a workout that burns a good load of calories and is a combination of both aerobic and strength training, what's not to love??
    • Posts: 2,169 Member
      LOL, I'll remember! It shaped my butt and waist like nothing ever did (before I started lifting heavy), and I still do it now instead of running if the soggy Vancouver weather gets on my nerves.... I have a set of kettlebells (15, 20 and 25lbs ) on my Christmas list, together with a new set of dvd's....(Hope Santa's back is strong - it's a 60lbs set in one box! :bigsmile: I will have two 15lbs then, but I can easily use them like dumbells for others stuff too...

      Don't get hung up on starting too heavy - Angie Miller's dvd has a few exercises where you hold the kettlebell in one hand while doing lunges or whatnot - I started with 10lbs for the one armed stuff - do it with 15 now, but it took me a while...
      Have fun, I both love and hate kettlebells with a passion!
    • Posts: 534 Member
      Here's a resource for you:
      http://www.dragondoor.com/shop-by-department/dvds/

      I would not recommend their kettlebells unless you just like spending too much. They're nice bells, but are overpriced. That said, it's hard to go wrong with any of their DVD's or books.
    • Posts: 61,406 Member
      Forget kettlebells. Can we talk about some yoga? I find the transition from pincha mayurasana to pidgeon to be infinitely more satisfying that swinging a kettlebell. plus bodyweight workouts are awesome
    • Posts: 34,415 Member
      For me personally, I'd recommend either yoga or Insanity over kettlebells.
    • Posts: 8,218 Member
      If you want great cardio, I'd recommend Insanity.
    • Posts: 12,209 Member
      Bodyweight exercises are great for weightloss. So I recommend yoga.
    • Posts: 3,639 Member
      Kettlebells are a great and very safe form of exercise when done properly. Because it's no impact, like weight training, there's no risk to your knees like with Insanity or anything else that's high impact. It's a great form of resistance training and cardio. You should also look into sandbag training. Similar, but IMO more fun. For kettlebell resources, the best video set I can recommend is Skogg System.
    • Posts: 8,701 Member
      Are kettlebells OK for vegetarians?

      Or paleo? I'm on the fence between the two.
    • Posts: 1,906 Member
      Forget kettlebells. Can we talk about some yoga? I find the transition from pincha mayurasana to pidgeon to be infinitely more satisfying that swinging a kettlebell. plus bodyweight workouts are awesome

      Now Peacock Feather pose to Pigeon is something I would like to see and if I could do it - yes it would be infintely more satisfying than anything I can imagine - including bodyweight workouts.
    • Posts: 10 Member
      Kettlebells are awesome. You can get a total body, plus cardio workout little equipment. I have a 20, and a 35 pound. Lots things to do besides the swings. You tube also has some great kettle bell workouts. We do a lot with kettlebells in crossfit.
    • Posts: 1,906 Member
      thanks vweinman
    • Posts: 1,906 Member
      What's all this rubbish about yoga and Paelo vegetarians? Have you Trolls got no homes to go to? :laugh: :heart:
    • Posts: 28,072 Member
      What about pilloxing - it's all the rage.

      "PILOXING is an exciting, new inter-disciplinary program that is attracting die hard followers including Hollywood celebrities and international stars. PILOXING uniquely mixes Pilates and boxing moves into a fat torching, muscle sculpting, core-centric interval workout, guaranteed to whip you into shape, using a class format that’s both fun and challenging. PILOXING is the brainchild of Swedish dancer and celebrity trainer Viveca Jensen and the culmination of her mission to physically and mentally empower women through fitness. At the core of PILOXING is the principle that feminine is powerful and it aims for women to attain a sleek, sexy and powerful self-image. PILOXING blends the power, speed and agility of boxing with the beautiful sculpting and flexibility of Pilates. Add to that the fun and sexy dance moves that reflect Viveca’s personality. In addition to Pilates and boxing movements, the exercise incorporates the use of weighted gloves which add to the workout by toning the arms and maximizing cardiovascular health."
    • Posts: 742 Member
      unlike working out with regular weights kettlebells are unstable so they force you to use a lot more of your muscles. even if you only have one kettlebell you can get a good workout by just doing basic kettlebell swings and some turkish getups...

      For something really challenging get yourself a kettlebell a battling rope and a few other pieces of equipment and set up a circuit with 40 seconds of work and 20 seconds of rest...

      the sweat will be dripping and your heart will be pounding out of your chest.
    • Posts: 2,394 Member
      What about pilloxing - it's all the rage.

      "PILOXING is an exciting, new inter-disciplinary program that is attracting die hard followers including Hollywood celebrities and international stars. PILOXING uniquely mixes Pilates and boxing moves into a fat torching, muscle sculpting, core-centric interval workout, guaranteed to whip you into shape, using a class format that’s both fun and challenging. PILOXING is the brainchild of Swedish dancer and celebrity trainer Viveca Jensen and the culmination of her mission to physically and mentally empower women through fitness. At the core of PILOXING is the principle that feminine is powerful and it aims for women to attain a sleek, sexy and powerful self-image. PILOXING blends the power, speed and agility of boxing with the beautiful sculpting and flexibility of Pilates. Add to that the fun and sexy dance moves that reflect Viveca’s personality. In addition to Pilates and boxing movements, the exercise incorporates the use of weighted gloves which add to the workout by toning the arms and maximizing cardiovascular health."

      Sign me up! (I need to get in touch with my feminine side, while kicking butt!)
    • Posts: 61,406 Member
      I think I remember a Taebo thread a while back that was pretty awesome. Have you considered Taebo?
    • Posts: 3,499 Member
      Sign me up! (I need to get in touch with my feminine side, while kicking butt!)

      Need help with that Steve? i have a feminine side....it may...or may not...need touching.
    • Posts: 1,106 Member
      I love kettlebells. I use the videos on this website: http://livefitrevolution.org/ (free, but requires signup).

      Kettlebell exercises are the first exercises that don't bore the snot outta me. I just can't get myself to do boring exercises, and that's been a huge contribution to my past frustrations with losing weight.

      I'm a huge wuss, so I started out with a 25 pounder, but I'm up to a 50 lb bell now for some of the exercises.
      I've heard you get a good cardio, but I can't see how you could if your feet are rooted to the spot and you are just swinging your upper body around. I've heard you get a good strength workout, but I can't see that either as the weight spends most of its time in a weightless swing before you catch up with it at the top of the swing and start the next one.

      With regards to cardio, you're always moving. Also, Eff cardio.

      With regards to strength, how do you think the weight gets to the upper part of the swing? Your butt - that's how. Gluteal action baby! (hmmm :embarassed: )

      Anyway, I did a KB exercise today that had me doing: Swings, one legged Deadlifts, one legged Rows, one legged overhead presses (I suck so hard at these), weighted situps, and situps + presses. I've lost almost 70% of the weight I've lost since starting in with kettlebells. I regard it as a fundamental part of my weight loss tripod (exercise, logging, anti-whiteness).
    • Posts: 2,244 Member
      Kettlebells is a great workout!!!
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