Beginner kettlebell

sbb4406
sbb4406 Posts: 65
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm curious as to what weight I should begin with. I plan on doing the Iron Core workout videos. On MFP, I've seen a lot of people say that women should start with 15-20 lbs, however reading amazon reviews I've seen people say that 5 lbs is good for a beginner. That's a pretty big difference lol
So I don't know what to do. I'm not very fit, and my upper body strength is awful... so what would you recommend? I've been looking at 15-18 lbs ones, but I honestly have no idea if I could use them or not and don't want to waste $30 and then have to buy a small one that'll only last for a few weeks. I don't want to get one so heavy that I hurt myself, but I don't mind if it's slightly too heavy for me and I have to work my way up to being able to finish a video. Thoughts? :(
If anyone knows of any cheap sets (like... $50 or less) besides the cement one on Amazon, that'd work out great too. lol

Replies

  • addisondisease
    addisondisease Posts: 664 Member
    Choose a weight that is challenging but allows you to finish the set. so if you set is 10 reps number 9 and 10 should be VERY hard.
  • carlye14
    carlye14 Posts: 53
    This might be out of your price range but Target has one by Jillian Michaels that is adjustable.I want to say it was around $85 or so. It looks pretty cool though! I've also been looking into kettlebells, and so far I think I will get the ones by Bob Harper just because they are formed to lay nicely against your forearms (ergonomic).
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I'm not an expert. But (IMO) 5 pounds is nothing in the kettlebell world. Women's starting range is more like 12 - 15 pounds.

    Look for less expensive equipment at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross, & Tuesday Morning. Not sure if this applies (Midwest) - Farm & Fleet had good kettlebell prices.
  • sbb4406
    sbb4406 Posts: 65
    I'm not an expert. But (IMO) 5 pounds is nothing in the kettlebell world. Women's starting range is more like 12 - 15 pounds.

    Look for less expensive equipment at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross, & Tuesday Morning. Not sure if this applies (Midwest) - Farm & Fleet had good kettlebell prices.

    Yeah, I thought 5lbs was nothing too. But I was looking at Jillian Michaels' Shred it with Weights video, and in the intro she has her 20 lbs kettlebell and is acting like it's a lot for her... and she's Jillian Michaels, if she can't handle 20 lbs I sure as hell can't lol. And in the actual workout, I think she and her girls are only using 5 or 10 lbs. So yeah... very confusing. lol
  • GigiBee824
    GigiBee824 Posts: 32 Member
    Try to go to a store and "play" with the kettlebells on display. Try a shoulder press and squat and see how the weight feels. Pick one that challenges you but isn't so heavy you won't be able to maintain form. I have 3 (10#, 14#, and 18#) since my lower body is much stronger than my upper body and using just one weight won't challenge all my muscles.

    10# is pretty light for a kettlebell, but I'm a beginner too and with some moves (turkish get-up, I'm looking at you) I just can't maintain proper form with anything heavier yet. it's better to keep good form than hurt yourself with poor form trying to use a weight that's too much at this point in time.

    Good luck!
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I'm not an expert. But (IMO) 5 pounds is nothing in the kettlebell world. Women's starting range is more like 12 - 15 pounds.

    Look for less expensive equipment at Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Ross, & Tuesday Morning. Not sure if this applies (Midwest) - Farm & Fleet had good kettlebell prices.

    Yeah, I thought 5lbs was nothing too. But I was looking at Jillian Michaels' Shred it with Weights video, and in the intro she has her 20 lbs kettlebell and is acting like it's a lot for her... and she's Jillian Michaels, if she can't handle 20 lbs I sure as hell can't lol. And in the actual workout, I think she and her girls are only using 5 or 10 lbs. So yeah... very confusing. lol

    Sorry, but Jillian should have actually learned proper form before producing a video. Her form is AWFUL. For good form look for Iron core (Sara Lurie) or Lauren Brooks - these ladies are very good.
  • SomeMorr
    SomeMorr Posts: 220 Member
    I did a bootcamp that was heavy in to kettlebells and I had never used them before. My arm strength at the time was not good at all. I did between 10-12lbs and was struggling but was able to finish a 45 minute workout.
  • sbb4406
    sbb4406 Posts: 65
    Ty for the replies everyone :)

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