Thursday, January 27, 2011

Kettlebell Review

Hey everybody! Happy snow day!

So as I mentioned in this post, I recently bought a GoFit 10 pound kettlebell. The kettlebell comes with an instructional DVD that has a 25 minute workout on it in addition to the kettlebell itself.

















I went to the store and experimented with different weights as I didn't want to buy anything that was too heavy because I wouldn't end up using it and I didn't want to get one that wouldn't challenge me. Yes, I did kettlebell swings IN the store. I was that girl. Luckily it was just the boy in the aisle with me, not that that would have deterred me from doing it anyway even if there were other people around.

The workout itself is fairly basic, but a great starting point. It is done in circuits, with five circuits total not including a 3 minute warmup and 3 minute cool down. The first two circuits are actually pretty tough and got my heart pumping. For a 25 minute strength workout, I worked up a pretty good sweat.

I plan on making this one of my strength workouts once a week because it's so convenient and quick to do at home. Once the 10 pounds starts to feel easy, I will invest in a 15 pound one and so on. Also, there are a ton of other workouts available on YouTube that you can download if you want something different or more advanced than what is on the DVD. Here is one I found that combines bootcamp style moves with the kettlebell. I tried it once and am embarassed to say I just could NOT hang, but I plan on working on this...it is TOUGH.



For people that don't have a gym membership or who are like me and just want something they can do at home, I highly recommend investing in a kettlebell. I can't speak for the other brands out there, but the GoFit comes with a DVD and the handle is wide and slightly rounded so that it's comfortable to hold and easy to switch hands during the moves. Some of the other brands I tried in the store weren't as comfortable. I would recommend going to the store though to test out different weights and models to find what is right for you.

Have you tried kettlebells? What do you do for strength workout ideas?

7 comments:

  1. I've never tried a kettlebell. I got a routine from my trainer but I've been slacking lately. I need to get my booty back to the gym!

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  2. I use kettlebells at the gym I go to...they can be a great workout! Kettlebell swings can really take it out of you.

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  3. I've never used a kettlebell before, but have heard such good things from the dynamic movements you do with them rather than the static movements you do with free weights. Thanks for the review!

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  4. My husband bought two kettle balls over Christmas, and still haven't seen them being used :) But had to have.
    I don't know that he got a DVD with them, I will have to ask.
    Good post today!

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  5. I am not familiar with this, but thanks for including it! I am trying to get more accustomed to workouts beyond running on the treadmill (snooze!)

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  6. They have kettlebells at my gym, but I hardly ever go to my gym. I love working out at home. Jillian Michaels has a shred with kettlebells out now. Not sure if you like her workouts, but it's on OnDemand on the cable.

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  7. I've never tried Kettlebells before. I would like to; I've heard they're a great workout.

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