Yet another KB question . . .

Zora

Cathlete
I've been perusing the kettlebell threads for a bit, but now I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by all of the different options. So, my question is: what would you experts suggest for my first KB purchase? The best and cheapest kind to buy? Where to buy? How many to buy? Which DVDs to buy (I'm thinking about Kettlebell Way, but I'm not sure)?

Basically, what's the best I can get without going totally broke??

Thanks!!!
 
LOL Zora I just posted a similar question myself just a few seconds ago -

I'll be waiting for answers too :)



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Hey guys, I am certainly NOT an expert here, just started with the KB's myself a few weeks ago, but here are my favorites thus far.

I bought my KB from Target and it came with a lame workout--but it might be good to do just to get the moves down correctly before moving into a more difficult workout.

Lauren Brooke--her workout is nice, she demonstrates the moves, has a small warm up , then you can either choose between a 12 minute blast or an overall body workout that clocks in at about 40 minutes, the last few minutes are really tough, but the workout is easier as she allows 1 minute breaks between sets. For a first time workout, this is a goodie for sure.

Newport- uh, yeah, this one is a toughie! He allows 1 minute breaks between really hard sets, he also includes abs with each set which is kinda cool. Very tough workout.

Goddess Workout-no music, no cueing really, kinda weird, all you hear is the ladies breathing, didn't like it at all.

Iron Core Way--another yukky one, I didn't like the instructor, but I think there is a tutorial regarding proper lifting and stuff.

Extreme Cardio Kettlebell from dragondoor.com-overall the hardest because there isn't any breaks, well at least a close tie with Newport. Keith Webber instructs, he is at the beach, no music, but for some reason it works. Its doable though, he explains the moves and stuff so you "get it" right away. Your heartrate will stay up the whole workout too, I think this might be my favorite of the bunch. I have read over on the Videofitnessforum that alot of folks feel this is the hardest kettlebell workout they have done.

Providence-am doing this one this morning and will report back with feedback!

Firepower-I have ordered this one, its supposed to be the hardest of Anthony's workouts.

BTW, I use a 15 pounder mostly, but have a 20 pounder that I use for some of the movements, but still haven't worked up to using it for the whole workout. Am not pushing too hard, as I need to get used to this new form of working out without injuring myself.
 
Tneah thanks for your reply

My stupid Target here doesn't even carry the KBs at all! :mad:

Every time I go in there I look high and low and nothing - guess I need to drive almost 2 hrs just to find a store that carries them
 
Ok, I came into this thread thinking it was about kickboxing. :) I'm not quite awake yet, even though I just finished gauntlet. Vilma, I'm so interested to hear if you get into the kb. So far I'm trying really hard to resist that -- I just don't want to get into more equipment and dvds, and I do think I'm uncoordinated enough that I could possibly do serious bodily harm to myself with them! But, keep me posted, because I'd love to hear if you go that route.

-Beth
 
Zora,

Tiffany gave you some great information. I would strongly suggest that you get an instructional dvd first to get the moves down. Art of Strength has a very good instructional dvd. I think it's called Kettlebell Training Clinic. I believe it's on sale at Perform Better. Also, another good one is The Kettlebell Way. This workout is similar to the Providence dvd but has instructions to help you with the moves. The best yet would be to find a certified kettlebell trainer to give you instruction.

You can check these out at www.performbetter.com or www.artofstrength.com.

HTH,
 
I started with Kettlebell way and haven't branched out to the other dvds and don't know if I will since the moves are all so similar. I'm happy with this dvd and I now even have DH starting kettlebells and, of course, he would never exercise with a girl, so he likes anthony. Anyway, I just returned my 15 lb go fit from target and ordered the 8 kb (17.6 lb) from performbetter.com where it was on sale for a really good price. I found 15 just a bit too light, but 20 just a bit too heavy, especially for some of the moves. So, I'm hoping the 17.6 lb will be a good fit for me. We also got DH a 35 lb one. He plans to do his own workouts along with Kettlebell way because he thinks the other dvds all look the same too (especially for the money).

Thanks Tiffany for your synopsis, it helped me confirm my thoughts on what will work for me.
 
Currently I have Lauren Brooks dvd which I LOVE! She also has instruction on hers.
http://www.ontheedgefitness.com/videos.html

I got Providence, Newport and Firepower from AOS: I LOVE providence too. I didn't get the kettlebell way just cause I liked how providence looked in the location... silly reason I guess but I love it. The kettlebell way is supposed to be the same but with a woman in it with Anthony and a different setting. If you don't get Laurens you may want the kettlebell way for the extra instruction on it. I still need to try out Newport and Firepower but I've been doing KBs once or twice a week and I've keep wanting to do Laurens or Providence. :) The others look good too though!
http://www.artofstrength.com/

As far as kettlebells I had the gofit ones and did like them. I had a 15# and a 20#. The 15# was quickly becoming too easy and I was using the 20# for most everything except some upperbody moves. I decided I wanted to get the ones I'd keep and be happy with in the long run and found some Aders online on sale and returned the gofits. I got 2 18#s, 1 26# and 1 35# of the priemere kind. The 18s are for harder upperbody work till I'm stronger and when I need doubles (Firepower does doubles exercises) the 26# for most lower body moves and swings, and the 35# for when I need extra oomph with my swings and also for DH to try out since he keeps watching me do Kbs. ;)
I got the aders here, they ship fast and had the best shipping prices I think: http://www.kettlebellsusa.com/Ader_Premier_Metric_Kettlebells_s/33.htm
BUT if you are not sure if you want to do KBs that much get the gofits or whatever is local and returnable first and use them for awhile. Then if you don't like it you can return them. If you do you can either keep the gofits (which are keepable as long as you choose one with a smooth handle) or return them to get something else. I did a lot of reading up online on kettlebell brands and heard Aders are the most loved and good quality. I LOVE the color on them (dark grey) and the handles are so smooth. The prices are not bad at all with that sale and his shipping isn't too bad. Worth it I think. The gofits aren't that cheap either.
 
I agree that you should start out with a cheaper KB (GoFit) and make sure this is something you're going to enjoy before you invest too much.

I also agree with Jane and recommend The Kettlebell Training Clinic DVDs from AoS if you are just starting out. These are excellent instructional DVDs. And I think learning to use KBs properly is very important. They are kind of costly but you get 2 DVDs and 2 w/os are also included.

Anthony also teaches most of his moves here. Click each Minute of Strength on the left side.
 

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