Kettlebell

Re:Kettlebell (Vantreesta)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:09:01 GMT

I agree, RubyRay. It is nice to have the option of different weights, and it's also easy to try to do too much too soon! You can use different weights for some things like windmills and stuff.

Re:Kettlebell (RubyRay)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:00:24 GMT

Thanks Vantressa. Good idea to do a search on the forum and learn even more. I really appreciate the tips about the seam and the size---I have big paws so that's important for me. Now that you mention it, I do remember reading on one of the reviews on some kettlebell video that someone had scraped knuckles due to too small of a handle. I have looked online and you definetly have a choice in handles and thanks to you, I'll be making a better choice. I may just get a 10 lb and 15 lb if I'm unsure----my shoulders are not my strong point either, but I'm looking for ways to change that. Sometimes it's hard not to do more than you should as a beginner at something, you just get caught up in it. Perhaps it is worth it to have a choice of poundage and not get caught up and injured.

Re:Kettlebell (Vantreesta)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:23:41 GMT

RubyRay, you can also do a search on the forum. We've had quite a few kb threads that are really helpful. A couple things I would point out when you're shopping and trying them out. One is to make sure the handle is smooth and doesn't have a seam. I made that mistake w/ my first one, and even wrapped w/ athletic tape it's still not very comfortable. The other is to make sure the handle isn't too wide for your hand to grip, and also that there is room inside the handle for both your hands to fit. You will want that for two-handed swings and also for slingshots and around the world where you're switching the bell from one hand to the other. Much tougher to do if only one hand fits! Good luck to you and have fun! Oh, and I started with a 15# also. I ended up getting a 9#, too, though, b/c I'm not very good at snatches so needed a light bell. My shoulders are my weak spot. As Blue Girl pointed out, though, you can still use a lighter bell, but I would ditto everyone's advice to start with a 15#. You may end up getting a lighter one too like I did, but you should get a lot of use out of a 15#.

Re:Kettlebell (RubyRay)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:45:17 GMT

hmmmm, also food for thought. Thanks Carol. And it is true that my arms are my weakest part----hence my interest in some of the arm kettlebell moves I've seen.
Mixxie pointed out above that there are sporting stores that carry kettlebells unpackaged so you can try them out. I'm thinking that's where I need to go----try a 10 lb and a 15 pound in a couple basic kettlebell moves and see how it feels.

Re:Kettlebell (Carol S.)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:19:00 GMT

" . . . when you're using 8 lb weights you're often lifting 16 pounds."

Yes, this is true but remember that each hand is holding only 8 pounds. In some kettlebell exercises you will be lifting the kb with one hand. Be careful; there is quite a difference in lifting 8 pounds with one arm and lifting 16 pounds with one arm.

Re:Kettlebell (RubyRay)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:56:47 GMT

Thanks Blue Girl,
Just one more seal of approval on the plan, which I greatly appreciate. And I do and did get your point about how your beginning equipment often comes in handy as you advance. Similarly to the point you are making, I often use my 5 lb weights which I am starting to outgrow (or at least I thought so till my first KCM work out today, but that's another story) doubled up to equal ten pounds for certain exercises, like back exercises where you do one side at a time. No confusion, it's all good, and I thank you.

Re:Kettlebell (Blue Girl)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:39:31 GMT

Ruby Ray,
I agree with Hello Betty and Mixxe. A 15# is an excellent weight to start with.

I wasn't suggesting you buy two kettlebells of the same weight to startwith. LOL.

I was merely letting you know that when you advance you can go back and start to use two kettle bells at one time.

So, in the future you can re-use your starting kettle bell with a second kettle bell of the same weight. Sorry for any confusion.

Re:Kettlebell (RubyRay)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:42:42 GMT

Hey Betty and mixxie,
Thanks everso for the advice. I think I'll get a 15 pounder, as per your suggestions, and if I have to build up to it, I do. I know how frustrating it is to start with a beginner video, only to find after two weeks you've way outgrown it. For that reason I always buy intermediate or intermediate-advanced tapes. Seems the same thing will be true of a kettlebell. Also, Mixxie, I appreciated you pointing out that when you're using 8 lb weights you're often lifting 16 pounds. Easy to overlook that. And it makes sense when I watch the kettlebell work outs and see so many of the moves done with both hands on one kettlebell.
Variety is everything for me in my workouts, which is why I've always loved video exercise, because you can build up a collection that allows you not to repeat a workout for weeks if you don't want to. I have been doing weights and step on and off throughout my entire on and off exercise career---so I'm really excited to try a new piece of equipment.
I hope there are more threads on Kettlebells as I move into it---you ladies are so helpful!

Re:Kettlebell (mixxie)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:29:41 GMT

Ruby- I agree with Jane. You said you are using 5 & 8 lb. dumbbells, totaling 10 & 16 Lbs, right? I would recommend the 15# kettlebell, as it will be easier to learn the moves than the heavier 20#. ( Plus, Jane is way more advanced than I am! LOL)... I have several kb dvd's, and using 2 kb's is rare. (I think Amy Bento uses 2 in a few exercises on her dvd, but I don't own that one.)
A lot of regular sporting goods stores sell kbs that are not packaged like the ones at Target (GoFit brand), so would be easier to try out without being in a box.
Good luck!

mixxie

Re:Kettlebell (HelloBetty)

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:53:32 GMT

Hi RubyRay,

I would suggest that you start with either a 15# or 20# kettlebell. You will move up in weight very quickly. I started with a 20# and it was fine for me. You don't have to get 2 kettlebells at the same weight yet. You might just want to get a 15 or 20 and see how it goes first.

Re:Kettlebell (RubyRay)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:02:21 GMT

Thanks Blue Girl. I think I'm hearing you say I should start with two kettlebells, one that's "a beginner" weight for me, and one that's there and ready to move up to for the sets where I have more strength. Sounds like you're also saying you bought yours in sets of two---is that common?
Maybe too, I just need to go to Target which I know carries Kettlebells and try out a few right there in the aisle. From what I can tell from viewing kettlebell videos, they don't necessarily equate in weight to dumbells----as two 10 lb weights in each hand differs from one in both hands. Hence it's hard to know where to start.

Re:Kettlebell (Blue Girl)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:22:09 GMT

It is important to start with a weight you can safely handle not just for your back and shoulders but also for your wrists. The kettlebell workouts use so many moves that require you to have good control of the kettlebell. When i started I felt the same way. Do I want to buy something I will out grow? Here is what I found. There are programs available with advanced work where you swing and snatch etc. two kettle bells at the same time. This allowed me to go back and use my lighter starting kettle bells. So, no waste.

Re:Kettlebell (RubyRay)

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:10:54 GMT

I would also like to get started on kettlebells and my question is what weight or weights to buy to begin with. Some tapes seem to require two kettlebelles. Is this common, or do most of you just buy one in each weight? Also, I wonder which weight to buy. I do weight training videos with 5 and 8lb dumbells. Many in the kettlebell video reviews say they started with a 10 lb kettlebell but quickly outgrew it. But perhaps those are more advanced exercisers than I am. My concern is that some of the moves look like they'd be hard on the back and shoulders if you are using too much weight that you're not ready for. On the other hand, I hate to spend the money on something I'll quickly outgrow. What do you all advise?Thanks.

Re:Kettlebell (TracyAZGal)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:49:43 GMT

Bumble

... I was going to post the exact same reply as TracyAZGal!!

Great minds think alike! ha ha ... In all seriousness, I really do love these 2 workouts!

Re:Kettlebell (HelloBetty)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:38:01 GMT

Hi Powla,

The ones I recommend are not sold at Collage. They are by Lisa Shaffer who has been certified by RKC, AKC and IKFF. She has 2 instructional dvds. I have one in book format and the other is an interactive dvd that was filmed at a workshop. Both of them are reasonably priced at $29.95. Here is the info:

Kettlebell Basics - Instructional dvd

In Depth Kettlebell Foundation - Interactive Workshop dvd

I also recommend Anthony DiLuglio's Clinic dvd from Art of Strength. This is more pricey but includes workouts as well as the clinic.

These will give you a great foundation on which to build on.

Re:Kettlebell (mixxie)

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 20:50:30 GMT

Hi Powla,
I would recommend the workouts posted by Primdaisy. They are all certified KB instructors, and do the moves in the traditional way.
I've been doing kb's for a couple years now, and I started out with Sarah Lurie (Iron Core), then moved up to Kettlebell Your Way to A Perfect Body (Anthony DiLuglio + Beth ?) and Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning With Kettlebells (Lauren Brooks).
Another option is the fun (and more mainstream) {Kettleworx}9334^ - the instructor is Kettlebell Certified, and even though the moves have different names, they are all traditional kettlebell moves. Plus it is a 6+ week scheduled program, which is nice. There is lots of cardio in this one, so you get a good well-rounded workout.
All these workouts are good, as you can "grow" with them by upping your KB weight. I started out with a 10# bell, but quickly outgrew it. I now have bells up to 30#, but use my 15 and 20 pounders most.
I certainly didn't mean to exclude Amy Bento's dvd's that were also suggested... I have not tried those, so can't comment.
Be sure to ask if you have more questions- we love to talk about our kettlebells!! :)

mixxie

Re:Kettlebell (Bumble)

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:35:14 GMT

... I was going to post the exact same reply as TracyAZGal!!

Re:Kettlebell (Donna D)

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 05:59:31 GMT

Welcome to the forum Powla!

Re:Kettlebell (BunnyHop)

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:28:31 GMT

Collage doesn't sell the kettlebell workouts I like the best, LOL! !

Re:Kettlebell (TracyAZGal)

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:24:39 GMT

Try Amy Bento- {3 in 1 Kettelbell}5667^ workout for absolute beginers. Then, work your way up to {kettelbell Bootcamp}5658^ with Angie Miller! I love both of these!