[jmb1981]

my supervisor came to work and said something about kettlebells. someone she knows has been using them and has lost a fair amount of weight (and according to this person all she did was kettlebells every day, didn't change her eating). i fully intend to change my eating, but now kettlebells have me intrigued. i have looked them up using google and watched some videos on you tube. so my questions are:

what size should you get to begin with? i looked at them at target but didn't know what size to buy and b/c they tend to be a little pricey i can only get one right now.

do you need different sizes for workouts? i know i can lift a heavier one if i am using both hands, but i don't know that i can lift a heavier one if the exercise only uses one hand.

what dvd would you recommend?

are they really as "fun" as everybody says they are and are you happy with the workouts? i think they look like something that would keep me going, but i'm just curious as to other opinions (especially from people who are using them already).

thanks everybody!!

[my3dragonflies]

I have done Kettlebells and I really enjoy the workouts. Some of them aren't so "dance-move" based and that appealed to my uncoordinated-self.

I started off with a 5-lb one and found that was too light too quickly. Knowing what I know now, I'd probably start with a 10-lb one. And stick to the ones that are actually "iron core" and not cement-filled. I tried saving a few bucks on my 10-lb one and I was very disappointed in the quality of it.

Amy Bento has a great beginner DVD for Kettlebells, by the way!

[iowasteph2]

I did a kettlebell class through our city's Parks & Rec, and it was an absolute blast! I did a 5 pound one, because I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. You can probably start with an 8 or 10 pound bell and use it throughout your workout. Have fun!

[Mel]

I love kettle bell workouts. I don't use dvds, so can't recommend one. Depending on the exercise, I use a range from 18 pounds to 53 pounds. Luckily, I belong to an unconventional gym where we have LOTS of kettle bells.

[fatferretfanatic]

My mother and father, and I have all used kettlebells, but not in the dance way. My mother and father lost more than 300 pounds apiece doing them and running, and my father even was featured in a piece that ran in Hardstyle magazine years ago. I suggest Pavel Tsatsoulin's Enter The Kettlebell.

I started with an 18 pound and I can now use a 35 pounder for swings and presses and snatches. I can deadlift a 35 pound and a 53 pound together for close to 10 reps, switching the weight to even out the arms every couple of reps. My mom uses a 53 pounder for kettlebells. I wouldn't by any means say that this is easy, done Russian style, BUT it gets results, and one improves fast. It also can be fun, once you get into the groove of it. Also, it is great for your core, even if you just do swings.

Most women can start with an 18 pounder, but I highly suggest you read about it, and study the form. These balls of iron are wonderful tools, but used improperly, one can hurt themselves.