Kettlebell Virgin Needs Advice

hantstc
hantstc Posts: 65
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
Morning all, just bought a kettlebell set. I have a course coming up at the end of the year in how to teach a class. Has anyone used them before and what are the pros and cons? any feedback greatly appreciated.

Replies

  • MissB46
    MissB46 Posts: 143 Member
    edited January 2015
    Love Kettlebells, been training with them for over 4 years now and not got bored yet! The only issues I have had is finding instructors that do know their stuff....I used to do classes and my instructor at my previous gym was brilliant, changed gyms since and most of them teaching are pretty pants so I now do my own stuff, and took most of my inspirations and workouts from a website called myomytv.com just purchased an 18kg competition bell which is pretty much all I need (the kettlebells in my gym are pretty pants - whoever designed them decided to coat them in some type of neoprene/plastic stuff - bye bye skin!)
  • hantstc
    hantstc Posts: 65
    Hey MissB , I have heard that from a few people on my friends list, seems like ive been missing out. Really appreciate you coming back to me though thank you.
  • jdhcm2006
    jdhcm2006 Posts: 2,254 Member
    edited January 2015
    Kettlebells are the best. I recommend trying to find an instructor who is RKC or StrongFirst certified. You can take a few classes, get your technique in order, and then buy a few bells and do your own thing.

    If you can't find someone in your area, BodyFit by Amy has a good video on proper swing technique and a nice 30 minute workout.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=bMQHAmCXJAI&index=51&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=DQbgWfAcxwU&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5&index=50
  • hantstc
    hantstc Posts: 65
    that's awesome , thanks for the link, really appreciate it :)
  • myfelinepal
    myfelinepal Posts: 13,000 Member
    If you're a lifter it helps grip strength and explosivity. If you're just into general fitness it's an all over body workout that's equivalent to cardio and light weights combined. Technique is not simple, so it might not be the best equipment for outright beginners.

    I followed this routine a while ago:

    http://www.t-nation.com/workouts/10000-swing-kettlebell-workout
  • tahoekarin
    tahoekarin Posts: 1 Member
    I second finding an instructor who is RKC. I started on my own and finally found a good instructor, actually a kb gym called Iron Bodies outside of Boston. I actually think they started long distance training too. Made a huge difference in my swing!
  • savvyfantastic
    savvyfantastic Posts: 112 Member
    Kettlebells are extremely high in AWESOME FUN factor. There is so much variety in things you can do. I do a lot of carries (one arm up, one down), swings, throws, catches, reverse burpees, etc etc.

    http://maxwellsc.com/articles.cfm?art_id=3015&startrow=1
  • jdhcm2006
    jdhcm2006 Posts: 2,254 Member
    edited January 2015
    MrCthePT wrote: »
    that's awesome , thanks for the link, really appreciate it :)

    You're welcome. Here are a few more vids on technique that I like:

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=q68QfoQyf6Q&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5&index=21

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=49CYkuTN2RQ&index=22&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5

    This one is on the Turkish Get-Up; however, don't attempt this one until you have your swing down perfectly. It's a more advanced move. I'm working on perfecting this move.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=0T_6wKqLmyk&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5&index=24

    And here's another workout vid by Virtual Skogg. This is a free vid he has on Youtube, all of his other full workouts you have to purchase.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=d0ehi9C-TtM&index=47&list=PLSjM8A0gK-DtaErU2taJlYrDbmPU1s-G5

    Tip: be careful of kettlebell workouts on Youtube, a lot show terrible technique and form.

    BodyFit by Amy just released a new kettlebell video. I haven't watched it, but I'm sure it's good b/c she's RKC certified.

    https://youtube.com/watch?v=tiC0zylTB0w
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    livefitrevolution.org is terrific. She's rkc certified and has lots of live video classes and paper workouts, and lots of tips and instruction. I've had good results from her programs.
  • blukitten
    blukitten Posts: 922 Member
    Absolutely love kettlebells- have a set myself and learned proper technique with an RKC certified instructor-- hope you love them as much as everyone seems to!

    Pros- easy, full body workout, cardio and weightlifting at same time, work all muscle groups

    Cons- really really need to learn proper technique to avoid injury- but I think that's the only one
  • TeachTheGirl
    TeachTheGirl Posts: 2,091 Member
    I recommend looking into workouts by Pat Flynn.

    I personally love kettlebells, I'm hoping to get a full range of competition bells when I actually have the room to store them!
  • DWBalboa
    DWBalboa Posts: 37,259 Member
    MrCthePT wrote: »
    Morning all, just bought a kettlebell set. I have a course coming up at the end of the year in how to teach a class. Has anyone used them before and what are the pros and cons? any feedback greatly appreciated.


    Self taught using this site;
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/finder/lookup/filter/equipment/id/10/equipment/kettlebells
    It's the only site you'll need. They have videos for each exercise, explain the movements, dive into what the movement does and what it targets. You can filter your search for specific muscle groups. It's awesome.
  • hantstc
    hantstc Posts: 65
    Thanks for all of the advice folks, really appreciate your feedback. Started using them this last weekend and man do I ache but totally worth it :)
  • lacewitch
    lacewitch Posts: 766 Member
    I got 3 Kettlebells for Christmas ( 2x 6 and a 12) so i am busy copying all the advice. thanks for starting the thread and for all the really useful advice
  • hantstc
    hantstc Posts: 65
    hey lacewitch , no worries, how are you finding them? I'm finding theyre working muscles I never knew I had !!!
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