Talk to me please about Kettlebells.

coodawoodashooda · 2022-08-09T21:40:26+00:00

About 15 years ago I had a small try of kettlebells and loved it. I am now very fat and much older. Before I waste more money could this be what I am looking for?

Leafy3 · 09/08/2022 22:41

I bought 3 kettlebells a few years ago, I've never used them though.

Actually had to move them today, can confirm they're quite heavy.

Orangesarenottheonlyfruit · 09/08/2022 22:42

I think they're brilliant!
I go to a class 2 or 3 times a week and they're amazing. I really wouldn't do it at home without going to an expert first though as it is very easy to damage yourself.

45redballoons · 09/08/2022 22:43

Well I don't think anyone uses only Kettlebells and if you want decent weights it's pretty expensive. I take it that attending a gym isn't an option?

icedancerlenny · 09/08/2022 22:45

There are a lot of exercises you can do with kettlebells. You actually can do a lot with only one kettlebell if you needed to. They are a good piece of equipment, but you have to actually use it!

MaraScottie · 09/08/2022 22:47

45redballoons · 09/08/2022 22:43

Well I don't think anyone uses only Kettlebells and if you want decent weights it's pretty expensive. I take it that attending a gym isn't an option?

That's not true. Kettlebells are a tool, like any other fitness equipment. They're incredibly versatile and if you had say 3 different weights, ranging from a 6 or 8 that you can press, a heavy bell you can do loads of swings (12 or 14), and a heavy for squats and heavy swings (20-24) - you'll have so many different workouts and combinations. You literally wouldn't need anything else.

Like anything though, it's all about how hard you push yourself. I personally think they're fantastic but go to someone who knows their stuff for some sessions, not just a PT who has done a 1 day course.

SaveloyDip · 09/08/2022 22:47

There is an app that gives you lots of kettlebell exercises free of charge, just pop in how long you want to work out for and what part of the body you want to concentrate on and it will show you how to do the exercises and calculate approx how many calories it burns.

user1471457751 · 09/08/2022 22:48

If you can do some classes first and get some instruction. Also, watch some vids on YouTube from trainers explaining technique, showing you what muscles you should be engaging etc

If you can do classes you can practice with various weights before buying your own. If you're v out of shape I would start with 4kg and work up, if you have some fitness then 6kg. Ideally you would have a range of kettlebells to cover different exercises e.g. 4kg for shoulder press and 8kg for swings. Also try and get KBs without a seam on the handle as that can dig in.

Monkeyrules · 09/08/2022 23:01

I love kettlercise. It is a full body workout. I used to be toned all over and had great cardiovascular fitness. I'm currently pregnant and haven't done it for a few months but during covid i signed up to the kettlercise.com website and got a discount on one of their online programmes. It was a one off payment for a 12 week online programme and the sessions were 30 minutes long so I could do this before my son woke up in the morning.

Before my son was born I used to do 1 hour long classes twice a week by a qualified instructor and have never been so fit but he used to push us really hard and kept increasing the weight of the Kettlebells.

Siameasy · 09/08/2022 23:14

I personally find medicine balls with handles easier to use

MassiveSalad22 · 09/08/2022 23:18

I’ve recently started and found 8kg too light so gone up to 12kg. It’s very heavy until you’re actually using it in a kettlebell workout - the exercises you do are like whole body or something so it doesn’t feel as heavy as just lifting it with one muscle (I sounds as novice as I am 😄 enjoying it though!)

rumblefish23 · 09/08/2022 23:18

Try more kettle balls than dough balls🍩🍔

Quebec Lady · 09/08/2022 23:18

If you haven't done it in a while and say you've put on weight, awaken your muscles for a week or two with squat exercises or self body weighted exercises (Pinterest is good for hitts that will show you exercises) then go into the Kettlewell lightly, build up your strength again and fly once the weight and pace feels right for you!

Keroppi · 09/08/2022 23:21

They're great, Joe Wicks and Caroline Givans has loads of kettlebell vids. I have 6kg, 8kg and DH has heavier, maybe 12kg or something. I really feel it when I workout with them and I'm a freeweights at the gym lover!! Never bothered paying for any instructors.. just watch my form and practice lots first!

SkiingIsHeaven · 09/08/2022 23:26

They are great doorstops.

goldfinchonthelawn · 09/08/2022 23:29

I love them. I used to do an online kettlebell workout regularly. Now I work out at bootcamp so don't use it as often but I pick it up most days and do a few lifts with it.

Sparticle · 15/11/2023 09:01

SaveloyDip · 09/08/2022 22:47

There is an app that gives you lots of kettlebell exercises free of charge, just pop in how long you want to work out for and what part of the body you want to concentrate on and it will show you how to do the exercises and calculate approx how many calories it burns.

Sorry to resurrect an old thread but @SaveloyDip if you see this, which was the app you were referring to please?

WineNoMore20 · 15/11/2023 09:06

Try Bodyfit by Amy on YouTube. Really good kettlebell workouts

Nolongerlight · 15/11/2023 09:06

Orangesarenottheonlyfruit · 09/08/2022 22:42

I think they're brilliant!
I go to a class 2 or 3 times a week and they're amazing. I really wouldn't do it at home without going to an expert first though as it is very easy to damage yourself.

This. It’s really easy to use them wrong, and because they are heavy, easy to injure yourself.

I do like using them in supervised classes though.

SaveloyDip · 15/11/2023 11:40

@Sparticle It is called Fitify, you can choose a pay for option or simply pop on how long you have to work out and it will give you a quick programme for that length of time.