The Kettlebell Workout is the latest and greatest workout equipment to gain in popularity here in the U.S. The problem with it is that unlike traditional dumbbells, the kettlebell’s center of mass is extended beyond the hand, similar to a clubbell. This necessitates ballistic and swinging movements. When you are swinging 50lbs around in the air, you had better know what you’re doing.
If you’re just starting out, try ordering a kettlebell set online from Amazon. A great beginner kit is the Jillian Michaels Ultimate Kettlebell set. It’s perfect for home use as it stores nicely, it comes with three different kettlebell weights (5, 10, and 15lbs), an instructional DVD, and best of all it ships free. Jillian Michaels is a leading health and wellness expert, and has earned a reputation for her demanding training and life coaching methods on the NBC hit series The Biggest Loser and Losing It with Jillian.
KettleWorx is the global leader in kettlebell fitness. No other fitness program comes close to matching the 200 exercises, 36 unique workouts and more than 12 hours of personal instruction that KettleWorx provides. But KettleWorx is much more than just the largest collection of kettlebell training ever assembled. KettleWorx is a truly personal training system that guides you, step-by-step, through your own six week body transformation. Unlike fitness programs that provide only a few routines to repeat over and over, the 36 unique routines included with KettleWorx are never boring – always challenging. KettleWorx really is just like having your own personal trainer – one who guides and instructs as you build strength, confidence and endurance each week. You’ll be amazed at the remarkably better body you see in the mirror after only six weeks.
If you don’t want a whole training set and just want to start with a single kettlebell then try one of the GoFit models. The vinyl coated kettlebells won’t scratch a floor surface, each kettlebell comes with a training DVD and GoFit makes the kettlebells in all weights. The nice thing about the GoFit kettlebells is that they have huge oversized powder-coated handles that make working out with them a dream. GoFit recommends that fit females begin with 15- to 20-pound kettlebells and fit males with 25- to 35-pound kettlebells. Women who are just getting started with an exercise program should commence with 10 pounds, while beginning men should start at 15 to 20 pounds.
More of a traditional cast-iron weight kind of person? Go for the original by New York Barbell. They sell all weight measurements, but if you’re going to get one of these, go big. Get the 55lbs wide handle Russian kettlebell.
By their nature, typical kettlebell exercises build strength and endurance, particularly in the lower back, legs, and shoulders, and increase grip strength. The basic movements, such as the swing, snatch, and the clean and jerk, engage the entire body at once, and in a way that mimics real world activities such as shoveling or farm work. The movements used in kettlebell exercise can be dangerous to those who have back or shoulder problems, or a weak core.