My gym membership is about to increase to the point that I don't think it's worth paying for anymore. I am pretty good about workout out at home, so I wanted to get a few items to have a home gym (I love the classes at the gym, not the equipment as much). I already have several FIRM workouts, the Insanity DVDs and the Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred. I wanted to try kettlebells. Has anyone tried this type of workout? I hear it's great. Are there any DVDs you could recommend?
TIA!
A big thanks to everyone for their answers. To the person who asked if you need 1 or 2, I think you need 1, but you can have more than one in different weights - example 10 lb., 15 lb. and 20 lb. I will definitely look for a certified instructor. And I looked on a few websites - boy are they expensive! Thankfully, it's going to be a Christmas gift. ;)
Jillian Michaels' has a really good kettlebell workout DVD that comes with her own kettlebell (it's an adjustable one that goes from 5-20 pounds). I think the set is around $80 if you don't already have the bells, but i think you can buy her DVD separately. I really hate her voice so I always mute the TV and put on my favorite pandora station...and i'm preeeettty sore for a good 3 days after one of her workouts! Good luck!
This is a great question! I bought a kettlebell and have started learning the "moves". I don't mean to hijack your question, but I hope someone can answer me on this. Do you need 2 kettlebells or can I just get by with 1?
Julie B's answer is very inspiring. I hope I get the same results!
I second what Julie B said about sticking with RKC certified instruction. I haven't seen Delaine Ross' DVD but I have seen some of her YouTube videos and she really knows what she's talking about. Check out http://www.dragondoor.com for all sorts of information. The website is fairly man-centric but if you ignore that the information you need is there. There are articles, good DVDs, a link for finding a RKC certified instructor near you. Look on YouTube for "kettlebell RKC" or Delaine Ross.
I have been using kettlebells for a couple of years now and they are the best, quickest all over workout I've ever done. I am stronger and in better shape than I've been in years. If only I could conquer the late night snacking I'd be fabulous, but I'm still working on that part.
Good form is super important. I haven't seen the Jillian Michaels DVD but when it first came out there was a clip from it on YouTube and it showed her demonstrating a move with truly frightening form. She is not RKC certified and while she talks a good game on TV I really believe she doesn't know diddly about how to properly use a kettlebell. That's what leads to injury. I would not recommend her or anything called kettlenetics.
ETA - Yes, you can do all the basic exercises with just 1 kettlebell. I started with a 20lb one from Dicks. As I got stronger I also bought a 30lb one. I've contemplated getting another heavier size but those do get much more expensive and I haven't done it yet. When you're shopping, look for one that has a smooth but not slick handle. You want to be able to grip it well but not have any lumps that will cause blisters on your hand.
Kettlebells ROCK! I've worked out since I was a teenager, but NOTHING has ever completely changed my body like kettlebells! AND -the best is that it's no impact and you're done in 30-45 minutes (and believe me -you will see results). I work out at a kettle bell gym and have progressed since the end of January from barely being able to swing and press 5kilogram and 8kilogram bells to using a 20 kg swing bell, a 24 kg bell for dead lifts and rows and a 12 kg bell for presses (a 16 for squats, squat presses and floor presses). I've never been this strong in my life, and I'm nicely sculpted and not bulky! It's done an amazing job on my abs! Plus -the interval training and building of lean muscle mass stokes your metabolism and burns a phenomenal amount of calories over the 24 hour period after a workout. I really cannot say enough about them!
Make SURE that you either take classes or use DVDs from a certified RKC instructor. You can really hurt yourself if you're not taught well. I would be very careful with any of the kettle bell infomercial DVDs. I haven't seen the Jillian Michaels DVD for it, but she is good, so I would take a look at hers. True kettle bells are not cheap, and you will need to get a variety of weights as you progress. I use iron-forged bells and wear weight-lifting gloves. I am NOT paid by my gym and I do NOT get any freebies or anything for recommendations, but you may want to check out www.gymcondition.com because I know the owner and head instructor at my gym has made some DVDs she has for sale. Her name is Delaine Ross and I believe her DVD is $32. Good luck! Try it out -you'll be happy you did!
Never heard of it but if I were to invest in a video I would include something with Pilates.
yes....i have Jillian Micheals "shred it with weights" and i rather like it. Both level 1 and 2 are easy to coordinate but kick your butt. Its a very core/hip/arm intense workout if thats what you want.
some days ill use a 5, others i use a 10 lb one. It all depends on how much work i want to do. If i were you id buy a combo pack, or an adjustable bell.
I can't speak to kettlebells - it always looked un-joint friendly to me....
But I've been working out at home for 10 yrs, and I'm in love with Cathe Friedrich. I started using her for weights - she's serious about weight lifting and has TONS of variety, from gym style to circuit work and everything in between.
She also has a lot of great cardio. Predominantly step, but other varieties, too.
If you're expanding your home options, I highly recommend her.
www.cathe.com
She's whipped me a** into shape for years!
Not that this really answers your question, but one of the ladies mentioned that kettlebells aren't cheap. I just wanted to mention that I just saw them at Dicks Sporting Goods. They had different weights too. I didn't price them, sorry.
It makes a lot of sense what one of the ladies said, that you could hurt yourself if you don't do it right, so you might want to take a class if they teach it at your gym before you don't go anymore.
Dawn
I have a kettlebell. I bought mine at Target and it came with a Bob Harpers video. The video has some good stuff.
