topic Re: Kettle bell recommendations in Wellness

Kettle bell recommendations

Julie_23 — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 22:51:26 GMT

Will you please share your thoughts on kettlebells? What brand or set do you recommend? It seems like there are a few different ones.

I have never tried it before.

Is it helpful for your back?

Thanks!

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

Colonel Meow — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:02:13 GMT

OMG - I'm almost sorry to post your thread because I can't answer your questions! But I just had to come on here to comment about the latest Men's Heath magazine. Tim Mcgraw is featured, and there is an amazing photo of him working out with a kettle bell. (I had actually never heard of them before this.) That man looks good doing those kettle bell presses, for sure!!!

LOL - I hope you get some responses that might actually help you out here!

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

Pook — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:05:00 GMT

I found that the kettleballs caused me neck and shoulder issues and had to stop using them and if I didn't do the moves exactly right, my back would hurt.

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

terrier3 — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:07:35 GMT

I us them at the gym. They are all basically the same...I don't think one type is better than another.

Just make sure you start out slow and follow the tape.

I would practice doing a lot of squats w/o the weights. In fact, if you don't work out much now, I would do squats for a few weeks, make sure you put your weight on your heels.

Many kettlebell exercises are squats with weights. Don't use heavy (20-25 lbs) weights until you know what you are doing.

It's a great, very aerobic exercise when done correctly. You'll be working your legs, your core (which will make your back stronger) and your arms...everything!

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

sidsmom — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:31:32 GMT

Not really a squat in the traditional sense, but a hip hinge. No way you could get the explosive hip thrust when you're in a squat position.

One thing you might look for...make sure the handle is evenly smooth....a cheaper KB might have a smallish bump on the handle....and you wouldn't know it was there until 5-10 minutes into your routine....when your hand is killing you or even piercing the skin. That little bump could spell big trouble...just something to consider.

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

terrier3 — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:38:15 GMT

On 6/25/2014 sidsmom said:
Not really a squat in he traditional sense, but a hip hinge. No way you could get the explosive hip thrust when you're in a squat position.

I said that PRACTICING doing squats will help her prepare for kettlebells.

If you have a bad back and don't exercise, I think you need to work up to kettlebells.

Just my personal experience after 3 years with a great, serious trainer.

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

sidsmom — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:42:49 GMT

I guess I learn the right way from the beginning...hard to break a bad 'squatting' habit....see it everywhere. The only way to Kettlebells is to do Kettlebells. Right from the beginning.

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

terrier3 — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:48:38 GMT

On 6/25/2014 sidsmom said:
I guess I learn the right way from the beginning...hard to break a bad 'squatting' habit....see it everywhere. The only way to Kettlebells is to do Kettlebells. Right from the beginning.

I didn't say to squat WITH the kettlebells...but she should try doing squats first. If her back hurts and her legs ache doing air squats, she will never be able to do kettlebell swings w/o hurting herself IMO. In order to get the most from kettlebells, I think you need a certain degree of strength to begin with.

I now do American swings, Russian for warm-ups, but it took a long time to be able to do overhead (which is why I just basically do what the trainer tells me to - he knows when I am ready to progress).

But why bother - you win!

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

Julie_23 — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:01:51 GMT

Wow, thank you ALL for the really helpful responses!!

Colonel Meow: I couldn't believe he was doing kettlebells. I saw that in the magazine too!

Pook: Good to know!

Sidsmom and Terrier3: I totally get the points that each of you are making. Thank you for the tips/insights.

I appreciate ALL of your responses. Thanks again!!

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

terrier3 — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:15:38 GMT

On 6/25/2014 Julie23 said:

Wow, thank you ALL for the really helpful responses!!

Colonel Meow: I couldn't believe he was doing kettlebells. I saw that in the magazine too!

Pook: Good to know!

Sidsmom and Terrier3: I totally get the points that each of you are making. Thank you for the tips/insights.

I appreciate ALL of your responses. Thanks again!!

Julie - I'm no expert, but that's why I pay a guy twice a week. He knows what I need to do better than I do!

Glad we could help.

Good luck and have fun...it's a great way to work up a sweat!

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

esmerelda — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:20:28 GMT

On 6/25/2014 terrier3 said:
On 6/25/2014 sidsmom said:
Not really a squat in he traditional sense, but a hip hinge. No way you could get the explosive hip thrust when you're in a squat position.

I said that PRACTICING doing squats will help her prepare for kettlebells.

If you have a bad back and don't exercise, I think you need to work up to kettlebells.

Just my personal experience after 3 years with a great, serious trainer.

You also said many kb exercises are squats with weights. Your #3, 4th paragraph.

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

BigBro6 — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:28:45 GMT

Basic beginner kettlebell dvd - Kathy Smith. I did use it but got a new pacemaker, so had to stop. I haven't gone back, maybe I should. Its a good basic. It came with 2 set of kettlebells of different weights. Maybe you can find it on ebay or walmart.

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

terrier3 — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:30:12 GMT

On 6/25/2014 esmerelda said:
On 6/25/2014 terrier3 said:
On 6/25/2014 sidsmom said:
Not really a squat in he traditional sense, but a hip hinge. No way you could get the explosive hip thrust when you're in a squat position.

I said that PRACTICING doing squats will help her prepare for kettlebells.

If you have a bad back and don't exercise, I think you need to work up to kettlebells.

Just my personal experience after 3 years with a great, serious trainer.

You also said many kb exercises are squats with weights. Your #3, 4th paragraph.

Do you nit-pick and disagree with everyone all the time...or am I special???

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

esmerelda — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:31:29 GMT

You are not special...to me anyway. Just keepin' it real.

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

terrier3 — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 01:35:03 GMT

On 6/25/2014 esmerelda said: You are not special...to me anyway. Just keepin' it real.

I'm glad I keep you amused.

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

sidsmom — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 03:12:03 GMT

BTW..."American" swings are a wasted movement compared to the Russian swing. Any movement from shoulder to overhead is just inertia & serves no purpose other than a possible sway back injury. The American swing is a Crossfit invention. RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge (Certification).. industry's Gold Standard of KB certs) doesn't recognize them as a safe move.

terrier3: For safety sake, please view this video from 2 RKC trainers. It explains the err of the overhead 2-handed swing & the squat vs hip hinge. The shoulder is such a delicate area...please show this to your trainer, as well. I'm sharing this info with good intent. sidsmom

http://breakingmuscle.com/kettlebells/rationalizing-the-swing-why-the-american-swing-is-wrong

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

terrier3 — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 12:55:07 GMT

On 6/25/2014 sidsmom said:
BTW..."American" swings are a wasted movement compared to the Russian swing. Any movement from shoulder to overhead is just inertia & serves no purpose other than a possible sway back injury. The American swing is a Crossfit invention. RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge (Certification).. industry's Gold Standard of KB certs) doesn't recognize them as a safe move.

terrier3: For safety sake, please view this video from 2 RKC trainers. It explains the err of the overhead 2-handed swing & the squat vs hip hinge. The shoulder is such a delicate area...please show this to your trainer, as well. I'm sharing this info with good intent. sidsmom

http://breakingmuscle.com/kettlebells/rationalizing-the-swing-why-the-american-swing-is-wrong

You have some serious issues. Not just here - but over on VP too.

You take care of your body and I'll take care of mine. My trainer thinks you are a joke, BTW. He'll get a good laugh from your latest post. He thought your Tabata rant was a classic for the ages.

Yes, he is Crossfit certified too - I do a Crossfit class twice a week plus my 2 individual sessions with him. I am now 60 and have been doing this for 3 years with NO injuries. Plus I keep up with the 20 something women in the class too. It took me about 6 months of work to be able to do Crossfit full on. He worked me up to that level and I'm grateful for his guidance.

Your concern for my fitness has been noted and appreciated. Please stop.

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

violann — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 13:13:29 GMT

SUGGESTION- I am old and have fibro, but many of the lovely ladies in my family are not only using them, but are actually beginning to participate in KettleBell competitions, SO- grandma wants IN! Therefore I'm beginning preliminary training TODAY, with a CERTIFIED Kettlebell Trainer. If I were younger and had NO issues I might not be so cautious, but this looks like SO MUCH FUN I don't want to have to give it up by not learning it correctly. I went to a competition in December, and there was a beautifully toned woman there who did a choreographed routine with a KB, and it was absolutely beautiful! It's really inspiring to me to read posts from others about this fascinating sport. My trainer is also associated with a CrossFit gym.

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

terrier3 — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 13:31:33 GMT

On 6/26/2014 violann said: SUGGESTION- I am old and have fibro, but many of the lovely ladies in my family are not only using them, but are actually beginning to participate in KettleBell competitions, SO- grandma wants IN! Therefore I'm beginning preliminary training TODAY, with a CERTIFIED Kettlebell Trainer. If I were younger and had NO issues I might not be so cautious, but this looks like SO MUCH FUN I don't want to have to give it up by not learning it correctly. I went to a competition in December, and there was a beautifully toned woman there who did a choreographed routine with a KB, and it was absolutely beautiful! It's really inspiring to me to read posts from others about this fascinating sport. My trainer is also associated with a CrossFit gym.

Better watch out...sidsmom will be all over you! I have the feeling she doesn't like CrossFit very much.

Seriously, It is a great workout and as we age, I think trainers become more important. I have no knee issues and I work out any back kinks with my rumble roller. I'm 60 and until 5 years ago, I was a total couch potato.

I credit my trainer for helping me exercise safely, while also pushing myself to get stronger and fitter every week.

Please post back on how it goes!

Re: Kettle bell recommendations

bethechange — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 13:45:22 GMT

I love the GoFit brand of kettlebells. They are vinyl coated and curved which makes them comfortable against the forearm.