Posted: 5/28/2009 8:07:27 AM EDT
| Okay, I heard all the taglines and ads, they're the secret strength training tool of the Russian military, they're the AK47 of weight training tools, blah, blah, blah. I'm wanting to know, are they worth a shit? |
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I think you could build a great body any number of ways and kettlebells are by no means the only way. However, they do offer advantages over traditional weight lifting exercises IF you treat it as a separate tool instead of just a oddly shaped dumbbell. If you want to "feel the burn" or get pumped and look fit, they aren't necessary. If you are interested in learning some different lifts and working on flexibility, stability, strength and conditional in a workout that last less than 1 hour and doesn't require a ton of equipment then the kettlebell is a good option. You can do a lot of (but not all) of the "kettlebell lifts" with a dumbbell but I think the offset center of gravity has a real advantage in flexibility and stability when using the kettlebell. Not to mention that you can take one weight and make it feel drastically different (harder or easier) just by holding it differently.
There is a learning curve to learning how to use them and they aren't for everyone. I would check out "Enter the Kettlebell" book which you can pick up for around $20.00 at Amazon and see if it is for you. If you read the book and think that it is still something you want to do, pick up the DVD by the same title and a kettlebell and you should be set for about 6 months to a year depending on how quickly you improve. Different strokes for different folks but I can say that since training with kettlebells, I have maintained my 3 mile pace (7 min miles without running other than testing my run time), have cut body fat, increased my strength and been injury free in BJJ. Hope this helps |
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I have some and use them somewhat frequently. Many exercises you can do with dumbells, others are much better suited to KBs, others are just completely different when you use KBs.
Maybe they're a fad, maybe not who really gives a shit though? They're WEIGHTS so they'll work as long as you use them. |
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Quoted:
I have some and use them somewhat frequently. Many exercises you can do with dumbells, others are much better suited to KBs, others are just completely different when you use KBs. Maybe they're a fad, maybe not who really gives a shit though? They're WEIGHTS so they'll work as long as you use them. KBs allow you to use a two handed grip, where this would be awkward with a dumbell or barbell. one example is a type of deadlift where you swing the weight up to chest-level all in one continuous movement. i have found that they are a little bit easier on the wrist than dumbells when doing side lateral raises. i would not say that they're a "must have" , but they can be useful. |
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Check out Boris's kettlebell vids that he has on youtube (the Squat rx guy)
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8FC1C0DD0C73979F It does activate and stimulate muscles in a much different way than DB's or BB's. I'm contemplating integrating them heavily i into my westside workout. Not be all end all, but just another tool to make you stronger. |
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