Anyone work out with kettle bells?

[Kearnzo]

I was at a friends house last night, and he said he's ditched freeweights and started doing kettle bell routines, and did nothing but praise them. I was a bit skeptical, but I gave some of the exercises a shot with just a 35 lb. bell and boy did it wear me out. Doing each little exercise wore on nearly the whole body, as you're constantly fighting the bell to keep it straight and in position. Even leg exercises were tiring with the 35 lb. bell due to rapid repititions and high intensity.

My question is, are the bells a good permanent way to work out? I was pondering getting a bowflex, but after using the bell, i'm tempted to get a set of a few of these (they are quite expensive, about $80 for the 35 lb. one).

[TarHeelMan]

Re: Anyone work out with kettle bells?

On some of the exercise message boards I frequent, dudes swear by them. Supposedly it's great for cardio as well. I've looked into buying one out of curiosity, but like you said, they're a little on the expensive side. Not to mention shipping (I can't find a local place that has 'em).

[pfunk880]

Re: Anyone work out with kettle bells?

I'm a fan of dumbbells. Never used kettle bells before though.

[gta95]

Re: Anyone work out with kettle bells?

I've been thinking about using them, but there a bit expensive.

[ThreeKing]

Re: Anyone work out with kettle bells?

I personally think these are just one of those fitness fads that come and go. I have not used them yet, but I have seen videos for them.

I'm sure they do something for you, but in my opinion, NOTHING beats dumbells and barbells.

[TarHeelMan]

Re: Anyone work out with kettle bells?

I don't think it's a fad or anything, like a Total Gym or something like that that you see advertised on TV all the time. In fact, from what I understand, it's a very old technique. You rarely see them at gyms (at least the ones I've been to), and the ones that use them seem to swear by them. I've seen some people that say they work out exclusively with kettlebells, and others say they supplement their normal workout with them, or just use them as a change of pace.

[Kruza]

Re: Anyone work out with kettle bells?

I bumped this thread because it relates to questions I want to ask to any experienced kettlebell users.

I'm seriously thinking about getting Weider's adjustable 20-pound kettlebell that has been advertised on TV over the last few weeks. I just saw it for sale at a local Sports Authority today and wanted to know how much of an advantage aside from the heavier weight does that 35-pound kettlebell have that you guys were referring to in those earlier posts made last summer. Should I just get the 35-pound one instead of Weider's adjustable 20-pound version?

At any rate, I plan to use the kettlebell as an alternative to my freeweight strength workout routines unless it proves to be more effective. Plus I plan to use it as a cardio routine to alternate with jumping rope and jogging/riding an exercise bike.

Kruza

[JBH3]

Re: Anyone work out with kettle bells?

I was at a friends house last night, and he said he's ditched freeweights and started doing kettle bell routines, and did nothing but praise them. I was a bit skeptical, but I gave some of the exercises a shot with just a 35 lb. bell and boy did it wear me out. Doing each little exercise wore on nearly the whole body, as you're constantly fighting the bell to keep it straight and in position. Even leg exercises were tiring with the 35 lb. bell due to rapid repititions and high intensity.

My question is, are the bells a good permanent way to work out? I was pondering getting a bowflex, but after using the bell, i'm tempted to get a set of a few of these (they are quite expensive, about $80 for the 35 lb. one).

I'm not an experienced kettle bell user, but when I was in the Marines a Capt in charge of me swore by them. We'd routinely do exercises w/ them, and they are much better than your avg free weights. They work entire muscle groups, and don't just focus on just your biceps or triceps. Your entire body has to work together to complete the exercises.

I remember reading an article by ESPN the Mag where Mike Karney and quite a few other NFL players were using kettle bells, and that the use of them was a growing trend in the NFL.

The Mag stated that this is what ancient fighters used to train, and Russian bodybuilders and stuff. They're definitely no joke, and a test of endurance. You should definitely give them a go in your workouts.