kettlebell ?

[jimmie48]

I am slowly but surely becoming interested in kettlebell workouts, mainly just to try something new. Can anyone recommend one? Also, I really don't want to go out and spend a lot of money on the various #s of kettlebells only to realize I don't enjoy the workouts. Do you think I could use dumbells as a substitute? Thanks ladies!

 

[Pearlstrand]

Jimmie, try doing a Forum search with the term "kettlebell," because there have been so many threads about the workouts.

Also check www.artofstrength.com (my favorite kettlebell workouts with Anthony DiLugio), www.dragondoor.com (Pavel Tsatouline), and www.socaltrainer.com (Lauren Brooks).

I really enjoy kettlebell workouts. You can sub dumbbells for some of the exercises, but you really need a kettlebell for others (like the swing and the snatch).

Good luck!

 

[morningstar]

I am slowly but surely becoming interested in kettlebell workouts, mainly just to try something new. Can anyone recommend one? Also, I really don't want to go out and spend a lot of money on the various #s of kettlebells only to realize I don't enjoy the workouts. Do you think I could use dumbells as a substitute? Thanks ladies!

Absolutely not. The unique way the kettlebell works because of its shape and weight distribution is the magic in kettlebell workouts - the dumbell is not an appropriate substitute; there isn't an appropriate substitute.

Start with reading Pavel's Enter the Kettlebell and try Lauren Brooks' DVDs as a starting point. Start slow and focus on excellent form rather than reps. There are a lot of excellent kettlebell workouts, but that would be a good starting point.

 

[pink_fortitude]

Absolutely not. The unique way the kettlebell works because of its shape and weight distribution is the magic in kettlebell workouts - the dumbell is not an appropriate substitute; there isn't an appropriate substitute.

I completely, completely agree.

Knowing what I know now, I did way too much too fast when I got into kettlebells. Enter the Kettlebell is a GREAT place to start because you only focus on a couple of exercises - and you learn to do them right. I also love Lauren Brooks because her form is so spot on, but I would practice her form pointers before doing the workout. The swing is the base for every single exercise so before you do anything I would start there and practice until you nail the form on it. At least this is what I would do if I started over again - not because I have injured myself, but because I feel like I have wasted so much time not doing it right and wasn't able to reach my potential.

Melissa

 

[jharris]

I just got a couple of dvds in a trade from VF. One was Gin Miller and I'm still waiting for 2 iron core dvds in a trade. I went today and bought myself a 7lb kettlebell. It is pink.

I'm a little nervous on starting this type of workout which is why I got a light kb. I can always work up from there.

 

[Pearlstrand]

I started kettlebells with the Art of Strength "Clinic" video about 14 months ago, then moved on to the Providence video after that. I also studied the videos on the AOS website, read some books (I have ETK, but haven't done the program). I now do all of the AOS DVDs, but really like Santa Monica because it includes the ropes (and there's no snatch challenge, either!).

I would say that form and technique really is everything in kettlebells, and it is a good idea to start small (and light), perfect your technique, then add more variety and weight.

jharris: You will probably find that 7-lb kettlebell pretty light for you. I started at 15 lbs, but now also use 17, 20, 26, and 35 lbs (the heaviest is for lower body moves -- squats, deadlift, tactical lunges). You will probably find that you progress quickly and improve your strength and endurance.