[futuresurferchick]

Hello there, ladies and gents who lift. I can't say I lift much at this point, but I know all the benefits of weight training and I do plan to start doing it regularly at some point on my weight loss journey.

Anyway, I was curious if any of you lifters have ever tried using kettlebells. Ever since I read an article about them in a local newspaper, I've been fascinated by the idea. Supposedly they promote more "functional" strength (rather than aesthetic I guess) than using machines or doing exercises that isolate muscles and work them one at a time.

If you don't know what I'm talking about and are curious, here are some links with info.
http://www.personalpowertraining.net/kettlebells.html
http://forum.dragondoor.com/training/message/305311/

So, has anyone here ever tried this kind of weight training and if so, what did you think about it?

[4rabbit]

Hi,

I have not tried them but krista has. See her website:
http://www.stumptuous.com/cms/index.php

rabbit

[Mel]

I use kettlebells a lot in my personal workouts and to train clients. They are a fun "extra". You can get just as effective and functional a workout using dumbbells, weight plates, and a stability ball as with kettlebells. They do provide a nice alternative for gym regulars, however. I wouldn't start a training program entirely with kettlebell moves- the true kettlebell training program requires a fair degree of balance, core strength and kinestheic sense. If you want to incorporate them into your existing resistance training program, make sure that you get proper instruction in technique. Some of those moves are guarenteed to hurt your lower back and forearms if you aren't doing them correctly.

Mel