I'm interested in trying a kettlebell workout.  Does anyone have a DVD to recommend for a beginner?  Thanks!

Hi Powla and welcome! Go Fit has Kettlebells the Iron Core Way which has tutorials and is good for beginners. There's Vol 1 & 2, and I think an express workout. They are cheaper than some of the other ones that can also be used by beginners.  Another one that is good is Lauren Brooks Ultimate Body Scupt and Conditioning with KB's. This is also a little cheaper, has a tutorial, but does not have some of the moves that are common for KB's. There's also Kettlebell Way to your Perfect Body. EXCELLENT workout, has a tutorial, but is pricey at I think $49.95. Collage has some other ones from mainstream instructors, but I do not own any of these. Amy Bento's seem to be a favorite among others here on the forum. There are a lot more options out there since KB's have taken off. I'm sure you'll be able to find something to help you get started. I highly recommend KB's. They are one of my favorite ways to workout. Good Luck!

Try Amy Bento- 3 in 1 Kettelbell workout for absolute beginers. Then, work your way up to kettelbell Bootcamp with Angie Miller! I love both of these! Whenever you choose to workout IS the PERFECT time to workout! T.M.P.

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

Welcome to the forum Powla!

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

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 - 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

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. Jane  

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! Whenever you choose to workout IS the PERFECT time to workout! T.M.P.

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.

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.

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?

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. Jane  

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

Hey Betty and mixxie,

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.

Thanks Blue Girl,

" . . . 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.

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.

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#. "God, please help me to be the person my dog thinks I am."         ~unknown