kettlebells - tell me more please

There is a Jillian Micheals set that has a 5lb, 10lb and 15lb with it it cost around $30.00. That has worked great for me as I can change the weight depending on the exercise.

it's nothing really inherent in the kettlebell itself since all the same moves that are done with a kettlebell can also be done with a dumbbell or a weight plate

The way a kettlebell disperses the weight is very different than what a normal dumbell does. If you try the same excersise with the two things, you can really feel the difference. A kettlebell is also better for a full body workout, it's very versatile.

Well I'm defo sold on the kettlebells. Now I'm just going to have to get me some. Thanks all for the infos. :happy:

Be sure you get one that's heavy enough but not too heavy... you might need a fairly heavy one and also a moderately light one (for things like one-arm windmills, where a smaller one is all you need).
When you go to buy one, be sure you know proper form for a basic KB swing and therefore you can find the right weight. The KB you use for your KB swing will probably be your "heavy" KB, and also look up how to do a single-arm press or a single-arm windmill and find one that will be your "light" KB. That's really all you need to get started!

Check out the jpg below, if you can blow it up and print it, it works as a great reference to get you started!

http://www.power-systems.com/images/Product/medium/93110.jpg

I've done Jillian Michael's kettlebell workout. I highly recommend that dvd. I'd say that a mix between cardio and weight training is a good description. I would do a search for kettlebell workouts in youtube to check out some moves. If you decide to buy a kettlebell, I would go a bit heavier than you think you can handle. Most of the moves are swinging the kettlebell, so it doesn't feel very heavy.

What weight would you recommend for a beginner? I know as I do the exercises, I will get stronger. But I do have pretty week ARM strength

Thanks for all the advice on this. Still feel a bit unsure of what weight(s) to get. Really would have liked to have gone to a class first to try it out, but there's nowhere anyway near me that does it, so that's out . Hmmm just had a brainwave... a long shot I know but maybe if I ever got good at it I could give classes

Anyway as I'm not particularly strong, think I'm going to start conservatively with one 12 KG weight and see how I get on. Does that sound reasonable enough?

for a man i wouldn't say anything under 16KG.
go to www.dragondoor.com

Absolutely, and the are great for "weighted cardio" as I call it. But form is CRITICAL! One wrong move and you will feel it in your back the next day guaranteed!

Thanks for all the advice on this. Still feel a bit unsure of what weight(s) to get. Really would have liked to have gone to a class first to try it out, but there's nowhere anyway near me that does it, so that's out . Hmmm just had a brainwave... a long shot I know but maybe if I ever got good at it I could give classes

Anyway as I'm not particularly strong, think I'm going to start conservatively with one 12 KG weight and see how I get on. Does that sound reasonable enough?

Try calling around to certain gyms to see if any of the trainers are properly-trained in them and get a lesson. I took a class and a bootcamp from certified instructors and it was great to hear their feedback about my form. Proper form is key, like another poster said. I would go with an 18 or 20 pounder to start. I don't know how much weight you're used to lifting now, but KBs will definitely get your HR up so I wouldn't go too heavy at first.

I guess if you can't find anyone to train you or a class, just remember that you should feel most of the strain in your legs and glutes because that is where the power for the motion should originate, if you feel more strain in your back then you probably need to modify your form because you can be doing damage.