Who uses this in their workout? I'm kinda getting burned out going to the gym and hitting the weights, so I've thought about getting a kettlebell to work with. Does anyone use one of these regularly? If so, what kind of weight would you get to start out on?

5/19/2010 5:35:20 PM

How big are you and what's your current level of fitness?

5/19/2010 6:00:41 PM

You're about to experience one of the problems with them...They're somewhat pricey and hard to find used.

When I was working out with them I started with a 35 lb. It was relatively light and easy to swing for me. I used it for Crossfit until I got the movements down and my grip strength up. I moved to a 50 lb within a couple of months and then a 55 shortly thereafter. Unfortunately I got injured and haven't touched one in almost a year now, but I'd like to work them back into my routine at some point.

[Edited on May 19, 2010 at 7:24 PM. Reason : l]

5/19/2010 7:20:47 PM

Wal Mart has them at ~$1 per pound. I would have bought one but the only one they had was too small for my hand.

5/19/2010 8:23:22 PM

I have the 35lb. Prob got it 2 yrs ago. My workout was pretty much snatches, Get-Ups and military/side presses. I kinda switched away from them for right now because of other workout needs.

I think they are great for a couple reasons:

- I think they are fun. There is something about just swingin these things as hard as you can. I used to do swings outside on nice days and on my last rep just sling the bell as far and as high as I could.

- I originally got it to rehab my shoulder (it was mildy subluxing). I def give them some credit for getting it stable again. For this reason I will always rotate them into my workout.

- There is def something to the shape or size of the handle that makes you create tension in your entire body when you are pressing them (compared to a dumbell).

- Snatches are the shit and can do some great things for your hip flexors. Mine loosened up some (I should have been stretching more probably) but I did notice it making my hip power better.


But like others have said they are a little expensive and I think you have to commit to them at first so your muscles can learn the grooves before you can start making strength gains.

5/19/2010 8:36:20 PM

can you explain snatches?

no hetero

5/19/2010 8:49:21 PM

The best way to explain it is video, I think

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3piFYOVzRw


its basically derived from the Olympic snatch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwK-dE9HytI


Kbs are good for the ladies too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csxSNxsY980




[Edited on May 19, 2010 at 8:59 PM. Reason : also shouldnt it be "no homo?"]

5/19/2010 8:56:23 PM

i said no hetero bc i didnt want it to seem like i was coming on to you

thanks for the video, i have access to kettle balls and need something new in my routine

5/19/2010 9:03:45 PM

JCASHFAN swears by this stuff

5/19/2010 9:55:15 PM

go to rosstraining.com, he has a section on how to make your own adjustable weight KB for cheap.

5/19/2010 10:29:24 PM

i have one i have yet to use.
16 or 20 lbs i think.

youve reminded me to use it (yes bad, i know)
i will report my findings

5/19/2010 11:41:14 PM

begonias made me do Turkish sit-ups with these... you lay on your back in sit-up position with one arm holding the kettle bell up, then you do a sit-up, then you stand up without using your other arm at all (the whole time you're pushing the kettlebell towards the ceiling). Then you sit back down (gently) and do it again 9 more times (or however many times you want)... that exercise was a PITA

5/20/2010 8:10:56 AM

I remember a Crossfit workout where you alternated between Turkish get-ups and a rowing machine.

I think it was row 1000m, do 10 get-ups, and repeat this cycle 3 times.

5/20/2010 1:46:44 PM

I love them as a gym alternative. You won't get arnold ripped using them, but you will definitely get in better shape before too long.

5/21/2010 9:41:59 AM

A buddy of mine down at Fort Rucker got me into these. I'm not as into them as him (they're more of a supplement to my workouts) but that and running is all Josh does and he's pretty fucking stout. I've seen him double snatch two 72# KBs for 5 minutes straight and snatch a single 72# 200+ times in 10 minutes.


The key is using kettlebells as kettlebells. If you're not swinging them you're doing it wrong. Swings won't seem like much when you start with a 35# but once you're up to a 53# you're feeling it. It taxes your whole body so when you get done with a good set of snatches your whole body feels smoked.

I think the best part about a KB is that it is a pretty diverse and portable gym. If I'm driving somewhere for a long weekend and need something to work out with I'll bring along the KB. This way, between running, body weight exercises and KB workouts I can pretty much recreate most workouts I'd do in the gym.


Mine are in Richmond and I haven't touched them in a couple of months but I'm going to grab them when I'm down there this weekend.

5/31/2010 10:53:37 PM

They are a good change up. I did the swings for the first time and though they were easy as shit, but the next day I was sore as hell in the hamstrings. So, it's a new way to work that muscle group and a good cardio exercise.

5/31/2010 11:28:05 PM