Kettle bells?

[sexymuthafunker]

Anyone used these? I am thinking of trying them out as I like the idea of cardio as weights at the same time...Can anyone recommend a good intro DVD to using them? What weight should I buy to start?

(Reposting this here instead of on weight loss thread)

[Wtfdoicare]

Interested in any replies too.

[SerialReJoiner]

I used kettle bells at the gym, loved it. However, my physio friend who specialises in women's health said it destroys the pelvic floor. That put me right off!! I've stopped using them apart from the 12kg one I'd already bought, and I use it for arm exercises etc

[Notcoldbutbaltic]

Can't advise with dvd as I did classes but I started with the 8k weight if you are doing swings.

Try an intro class first to get your swing right, mainly so you don't wreck your back doing it incorrectly.

[MaidOfStars]

my physio friend who specialises in women's health said it destroys the pelvic floor
What does?

[shirleycartersaidso]

Not quite but I do Powerwave and the bag is I think 12kg. Love it.

Have never heard the pelvic floor argument.

[SerialReJoiner]

Swinging the kettlebell between the legs.

[MaidOfStars]

Swinging the kettlebell between the legs
I see. I thought you meant kettlebells in general!

[SerialReJoiner]

Sorry, should've been more specific. :)

[MaidOfStars]

I was becoming alarmed at my use of kettle bells for shoulder work

[Moose23]

Why do kettlebell swings destroy the pelvic floor rather than strengthen it?

[SerialReJoiner]

I don't remember the details, but something to do with too much pressure in the wrong way/area? I'll have to ask her again!

[Moose23]

Please do ask, I have only ever heard positive things about the use of KBs if the action is executed appropriately. And I love my 3 sets of 20 x 20kg KB swings- in my opinion, my core has never been stronger!

[SerialReJoiner]

I enjoyed it as well, before she scared me off! I'll ask her.

[SerialReJoiner]

So it looks like her advice is specifically for postnatal exercising, and those with already weakened pelvic floors:

"Lifting that much weight straight through a weakened pelvic floor is just going to damage it further. Your pelvic floor has to counter balance that weight and it just won't be able to at the moment. Plus lifting them requires a lot of core strength, in order not to injury yourself, again something the body has to rebuild slowly post natally. "


Hope that clarifies things for kettle bell lovers. :) I'm only three months pp so I won't be doing the exercises for some time!

[Believeitornot]

I strengthened my core first with basic exercises before using a KB.

I use bodyfit by Amy YouTube videos. She even has some post partum ones has she had a baby. Just google "Amy bodyfit" and she comes up.

[pickledparsnip]

Just started using a kettlebell a few weeks ago. I fucking love it! Couldn't walk properly/sit down on the loo after the first few goes as the squats killed me! Actually feels good though. Hoping I don't have to wait long to see results!

[pickledparsnip]

Been following a dvd my sister sent me and also doing Bodyfit by Amy like pp

[Moose23]

Thanks Serial, I am safe then!

[kalinkafoxtrot45]

I started with an 8kg, moved onto 12kg and 16kg, and am now the proud owner of a 20kg kettlebell! :)

[Jellybean85]

My best friend is a very qualified and experienced physio, I text her the pelvic floor question and she had a good giggle. She said with proper form absolutely no risk and said even if you're doing it wrong unless you're using 20 kg or heavier and lots of reps you're highly unlikely to hurt yourself

[SerialReJoiner]

Fair enough. My friend is quite hot on keeping the pelvic floor protected, as she specialises in prolapsed bladders and such. Not sure why the giggling and hmm face was necessary - the info might help someone make a decision that's best for her health!

[wineforone]

I have a prolapse which has really improved since training with kettlebells. Its really important to learn the right technique though, definitely worth trying to get to a class to learn it properly.

[sexymuthafunker]

Thanks all.
Sounds like a class first is a good plan!

[Jellybean85]

Sorry @SerialReJoiner no disrespect was meant from my friend to yours and I'm sure they're both knowledgable and qualified in their field, I think the giggle was surprise from my friend at such vague negative advice about kettle bells in general. There are masses of different moves you can do with a kettle bell and it's
Probably the way the comment has mutated between your friend/you/the Internet/me/my friend iyswim.

As a general rule no kettlebells are not dangerous to pelvic floor, are the specific exercises that when done badly could injure you, absolutely!!

op if you don't find a good class as with anything there are lots of instructional DVDs/YouTube channels also available

[TheChineseChicken]

I've been doing Kettlebells with a PT for years, including through 39 weeks of pregnancy, and it's great exercise. Good cardio and all round toning and always leaves me in a good mood. I would recommend an instructor rather than a DVD to ensure you are doing it correctly and to judge which weights you should be using. Plus a studio will have a range of weights so you can use different ones for different exercises.