Posted: 3/3/2009 7:28:13 PM EDT
| I know everyone got worked up on these when the details of the 300 workouts hit the net. Any of you guys train seriously with them? What is your impression? |
lol, I knew that. WTF was I thinking last night?
| I've had one for awhile and have just started really messing around with it. I did 10 weeks of Starting Strength (deadlift, squat, benchpress, press) and thought it was effective. Now that I've started playing with the kettlebell I've realized how limited the barbell is for me. It provides plenty of strength and size but it's basically linear. The kettlebell is so awkward and works the body in so many planes that I've been humbled by it. I now appreciate the raw all-around strength needed to perform Turkish Get-Ups or Windmills (neither of which I can do, btw). Right now I'm focusing on alternating one-arm swings (Right arm, 1:00 minute rest, left arm) with 1 mile on the Airdyne. My goal each session is 3-5 rounds. Girevoy Sport, or timed sets of clean and jerks or snatches doesn't hold any real interest for me but I'm a believer in the kettlebell as a very effective tool for strength and fitness. Plus, I love the simplicity of it. It's really cool looking at a hunk of steel sitting on the floor and knowing that it can function as your complete home gym when needed. |
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I've got a copy of "Enter the kettlebell" around here. Any other good stuff for a noob to look over? Watch some of the kettle videos on youtube. Get some DVDs and attend a seminar if you can. You wouldn't believe how hard it to to do some of the movements with proper form if you haven't had coaching. Also, take things slow at first until you're familier with the movement; an overzealous attempt at the kettlebell clean can almost knock your ass out. Ask me how I know. Jst to see how much of a workout they can be do some tabata swings. Basically, it's a two handed kettlebell swing (check it out on youtube if you don't know what I mean) done for 20 seconds, 10 second rest. Continue that pattern for 4-5 minutes. |
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I use regular dumbells for swings, snatches and a few other movements that can be done with kettlebells. The technique is slightly different with dumbells but the workout is just as hard. A good thing about the dumbell techniques is that they carry over a lot better when using barbells.
I looked at kettlebells but I thought they cost too much for not much benefit over dumbells that I already have a stack plates for. IMHO, there really isn't much you can do with a kettlebell that you can't do with dumbells... |
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As a newb to the kettlebell workout, what is a good starting weight to use with them? I ask only because I've never thought about using them until recently. Any help is greatly appreciated. Well, if you are new to working out at all, you might want to go with some 26 or 35lb bells. If you are decently strong, get a 45lb bell, and if you are in real good shape, get a 52lb bell. |
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ArKay, start out w/ a 36lb (not lighter) or a 44lb if you already workout w/ weights regularly.
I've been using them since sometime in 2003 and even took one with me to Afghanistan...in my rucksack (53#). They are a hand-held total gym. I'm taking 5 on my next deployment since I'll have 4 connex's for my company. 
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I've got a copy of "Enter the kettlebell" around here. Any other good stuff for a noob to look over? The Kettlebell is by far the best work I've ever gotten. You won't get big like Arnold, but you will gain flexibility, strength and endurance. I can get a better workout in my living room with 2 Kettlebells than I can at the gym. The easiest way to start is to try the videos from "Art of Strength (AOS)". They offer Kettlebell "circuit training" DVD's that you work along with. Look for AOS "Providence" "Newport" or "Firepower". There's descriptions of each on the website. http://www.artofstrength.com/dvdworkout/tabid/182/Default.aspx |
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Kettlebells have a lot of benefits over traditional weight training. If someone is comparing them to dumbells then chances are they don't understand what they are really about. I only use kettlebells now and feel stronger, healthier and more stable than ever before. Every friend I have introduced to them also has found great results. Just remember that they are not going to get you super strong like deadlifting will but they will give you a well balanced and put together body that can be used to actually accomplish things beyond just looking good at the beach. Check out "Enter the Kettlebell" or "The Russian Kettlebell challenge" for a great start. The videos that accompany these books are really helpfull too. |
I've trained with kettlebells and I also have Pavel's "Russian Kettlebell Challange" as well as Mike Mahler's "Aggressive Strength Kettlerbell Workshop Manual" and with a few exceptions I can do almost all the kettlebell exercises with dumbells. Yes, I may need to modify the technique a little bit basically I get the same kind of work out.
I agree kettlebell training protocol is different from traditional weight training but dumbells can be used in the same fashion. |
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I've trained with kettlebells and I also have Pavel's "Russian Kettlebell Challange" as well as Mike Mahler's "Aggressive Strength Kettlerbell Workshop Manual" and with a few exceptions I can do almost all the kettlebell exercises with dumbells. Yes, I may need to modify the technique a little bit basically I get the same kind of work out.
I agree kettlebell training protocol is different from traditional weight training but dumbells can be used in the same fashion. I understand what you are saying and agree that you can do some (not all) of the "kettlebell lifts" and workouts with dumbells. However, the displaced center of gravity on a kettlebell does do different things than dumbells. Kettlbells work the wrist in a different way and it really works/stretches the shoulder and chest in a different way. I started with a 35lber and couldn't believe how much heavier it felt than 35lbs. I'm not saying it is the best tool for EVERY job, only that it has it's place. You can get plenty fit without every touching kettlebells but having one or two kettlebells lets you work out your entire body. If you get them at muscledriver.com it is a minimal investment. |
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Kettlebell is the best all around weight exercise. I alternate a body weight workout with kettlebell (24kg, or about 52 lb.). It is the non-rigid, floppy balance as well as the dynamic accelleration/deceleration of swingin weight. One key to the Russian Kettlebell method is to NOT exercise muscles in isolation like you would on a Nautilus. Rather, support the main muscles being worked with all surrounding muscles and your core. I've simplified my routine to just a few exercises, but there are dozens of possible exercises and variations. I am not trying to build super strength, just good solid conditioning. 3 sets - one hand swings to warm up 10 each hand - clean and military press 5-8 each hand - bent over one arm rowing 8-10 each hand - two hand pulls (?) 10 - snatches 10 each hand - turkish getup 1 each side |