Comments on: Become Strong Like Bull: The Kettlebell Workout

By: RJT

RJT — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:25:32 +0000

I’m afraid I don’t have time to check if this has been mentioned but in response to the comparions to dumbells in the comments, one big advantage KBs have over dumbells is the unstable nature the handle gives them. Training in one direction can sometimes lead to injury which may be avoided by training those little stabiliser muscles which can be neglected, if not needed to stabilise a swinging KB for example. Great article.

By: Rick

Rick — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 20:06:22 +0000

I have single KBs 60, 70, 80, 88 and 96.5 lbs. The owner of my gym lets me keep them locked in a corner so nobody who has no clue how to use them doesn’t hurt themselves, or anyone else. However, one of the owners’ sons, a fat and out of shape crack pot, does things to them like pour WD-40 on them, tampers with them to the point of chipping and damaging them.

Yet, I am 48 and can swing that 96.5 lbs. kb for 45 reps and push press it into position for an overhead squat (among other things).

I prefer single arm movements to two arms, though. I think, for me, it helps core strength when the body is out of balance as it is being worked one side at a time. Plus, I have bulging disk in my lower back that I feel is better protected by training one side at a time.

By: Duncan Shepherd

Duncan Shepherd — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 04:38:34 +0000

Wot!
No Turkish Get Ups?

The single most bastardly KB exercise invented.

Not sure what the Turks were thinking of when they imposed this on the world, possibly T.E.Lawrence.

By: Ben Walker

Ben Walker — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 08:07:36 +0000

Damn, that Sig Klein was a beast wasn’t he!

I’ve been a big, big fan of kettlebells for years now. Their unique ability to hit muscle groups that are hard to hit through traditional weight training techniques is second to none.

My favorite exercise by far is the kettlebell swing. I would even go as far to say that I’m addicted to doing it :)

Thanks for the great article and spreading the word about kettlebells.

Ben

By: Jamie

Jamie — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:29:21 +0000

You can get fast adjustable kettlebells at http://www.getpowerbell.com from Weider. Weights change out fast and the workout is great.

By: Boost Your Gains with Kettlebells

Boost Your Gains with Kettlebells — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:46:27 +0000

[...] and Reach, 15 reps, 30 seconds restRussian Kettlebell Twists, 15 reps“They” SaidGet Strong Fast: The Kettlebell WorkoutStrength and Combat, Kettlebells for BodybuildingKettlebell Workout MeansIf you’re going to [...]

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 03 May 2010 06:11:28 +0000

I know this post is old, but I just wanted to add a few things. To those who say you can do the same exercises with a dumbell, that lets me know that you have not actually gone through a kettlebell workout. Once you do, you will realize that the movements are not functionally equivalent with a dumbell. The weight of a dumbell is distributed differently and even if you do the same exercise, you won’t get the same workout. A lot of the movements involve your entire body and moving the kettlebell with your body – not necessarily just your arms – those movements rely on the fluid movement of the kettlebell handle in your hand and the distribution of weight that holding a ball of iron offers. Dumbells just aren’t built for a lot of the movements – although there are some kettlebell exercises that would work as well with a dumbell. I’m a woman and I had been lifting weights and exercising to maintain a good weight. Once I started with Keith Weber and kettlebells, I stopped doing anything without a kettlebell. The strength and endurance you gain with the kettlebell is just superior to anything out there. I need it. I love it. I can’t get enough of it.

By: Keep it simple

Keep it simple — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:47:43 +0000

Buy two 24kg kettlebells. Go online and look up how to do the full cycle (basically two bell c&p). Start with a set of 1, when that is easy do a set of 1 then a set of two. Keep going up until you can cycle all the way to 20. You will be stronger and in better shape than ever. Do it every day. Do it!

By: Shane Grossman

Shane Grossman — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:36:41 +0000

I was working out steady for a couple of years and then started on a 35 pound bell,It was to much .start much lower and work up to the 35 pound bell

By: Hackos

Hackos — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:54:51 +0000

I’ve been on the Kettlebells for about 3 months. They’re awesome. Excellent for both cardio and strength. Noticed the difference very quickly. Have lost weight and strengthend all over by short 30ish min sessions a few times a week.

The whole dumbell vs kb debate is a non-starter. Anyone who’s happy swinging a dumbell around is liable to injure themselves. Can’t see how you’d begin to do ‘the snatch’.

Advice form a newby – start out with a light weight, it’s all about technique. By the time you have the technique you will be strong enough to handle something a bit heavier. Moves like the snatch can seriously hurt your wrist if you don’t get the technique right so again start out light. Definately find a qualified trainer if you can as you could easily hurt your back if technique is wrong, especially if you are too proud to start out light!

I’m hoping it will benefit my running in terms of speed and stamina. Can’t see why it wouldn’t, it seems to be beneficial in every way.