New @ Kettlebell...

ecahill91
ecahill91 Posts: 69
edited October 3 in Fitness and Exercise
Hopefully my kettlebell set will be in the mail when I get home from work today :)

Anybody have pros/cons regarding GAIAM Kettlenetics?

Any advice for a beginner "Kettlebeller"? :flowerforyou:

Replies

  • mefeight1964
    mefeight1964 Posts: 88 Member
    I haven't used that particular setup but I have been using kettlebells for several months. LOVE THEM! My advice - watch the DVDs before you attempt the exercises and focus on form. They really engage your core and work your whole body. Enjoy!
  • DoncasterPhotography
    DoncasterPhotography Posts: 147 Member
    Do a week with the "free" kbell, then ditch it for something considerably heavier.

    The 4lb'er is fine for working on correct technique, but useless as a tool to tone. far too light.

    Its not a bad workout, bit girly/dancey but it works.. I burn around 380-400 cals doing it up to the "windmill" section. I dont bother with the floor workout bit... Maybe I should give it a go mind...
  • ecahill91
    ecahill91 Posts: 69
    Do a week with the "free" kbell, then ditch it for something considerably heavier.

    The 4lb'er is fine for working on correct technique, but useless as a tool to tone. far too light.


    How much heavier should I advance to? Should I do a lb or two more per week/every other week? Or should i just jump to a 7- or 10-lb weight?
  • DoncasterPhotography
    DoncasterPhotography Posts: 147 Member
    Nooo you need to jump to 20lb bells. I went to a 16lb'er and a month later I wish is gone heavier.

    See how you get on.
  • ecahill91
    ecahill91 Posts: 69
    Wow!! IDK if I could handle* 20... hahaha I'm just looking to burn some extra fat, and hopefully gain a little definition :) I don't want a lot of muscle, though :/
  • 40Marbles
    40Marbles Posts: 188 Member
    Take a look at the minute of strength videos on artofstrength.com. They have really great instructional stuff on kettlebells.

    I agree with the poster who said to go with a heavier bell. With a lighter bell it's easier to use poor form and injure yourself.
  • celticmuse
    celticmuse Posts: 492 Member
    I lost 30 lbs. using kettlebells as part of my HIIT program. I am taking a kettlebell class right now. I love kettlebells! My advice is to start with a manageable weight (10-15 lbs) and work your way up once you master the exercises. Kettlebells are great for strengthening as well as calorie burn. It is good to have at least 2 different weights, maybe a 10 and a 15 or 20 lbs. It works best for me to do it as part of an interval training program. I do 60 seconds on the elliptical, followed by 30 sec. of a kettlebell exercise. It has made the biggest difference in reducing my hips, waist and upper legs. I dropped 3 pant sizes. Also, I would recommend stretching before you work out, and getting a foam roller, because your muscles will be sore after a good kettlebell workout. And if you don't have one already, I recommend that you invest in a heart monitor, because kettlebells will get your heart rate up very quickly.

    Good luck and have fun!
  • DoncasterPhotography
    DoncasterPhotography Posts: 147 Member
    Wow!! IDK if I could handle* 20... hahaha I'm just looking to burn some extra fat, and hopefully gain a little definition :) I don't want a lot of muscle, though :/

    bear in mind that you dont "lift" the weight using isolated muscles. Its more a swing thats projected upwards using your glutes, thighs and core. ALL big muscle groups that can handle it.

    And why do women always say "i dont want to get big muscles"... Trust me a man, with genetically more testosterone than a woman, finds it hard to build BIG muscles. It wont happen overnight. It takes SERIOUS weights, SERIOUS workouts, SERIOUS "good" calories and tons and tons of determination to gain big muscles*.

    Women seem to think that by picking up something heavier than a bag of sugar, they'll wake up the day after looking like Arnold!!




    *and in some cases, serious intervention from vetinary science. ;o)
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