Kettlebells

Does anyone use kettlebells? I'm thinking about getting into it. Opinions? I'd love to hear from anyone, but if any women use kettlebells, please tell!

I think they rock! There are some great workouts that incorporate them (and some that are just kettleballs)...and they really can be a full body workout! I don't use them much anymore (I'm training splits at the moment), but when I do a lot of compound exercises, I usually have them in there!

They're oddly shaped dumbells. Nothing more, nothing less.

Sully is right, there really isn't anything you can do with a kettlebell that you can't do with a dumbbell. They're fun though :] Makes you feel like you are doing something fun and different.

Original Post by floggingsully:

They're oddly shaped dumbells. Nothing more, nothing less.

 They handle differently to dumbells because of the shape, handle thickness and centre of gravity.

I find that kettlebells recieve a bit of negativity around internet forums, I think that's more to do with how they're typically marketed by the fitness industry.  It comes across as a Fad.

I must admit, watching some of the videos and some of the websites has me rolling my eyes.

Kettlebells are hardwork, fun and can be a refreshing change from using barbells and dumbells.

From personal experience it helped with my boxing training and I know alot of MMA guys that use them.

They are not the be all and end all, and I wouldn't rely solely on kettlebells, but it'll make a nice addition to a complete fitness regime.

I love them! been using them for about a year now!

i like amy bento's slo-mo weights and advanced step but i checked out her kettlebell dynamics video, which is russian-style. mmm???

i dont have the room (for one) and i dont think that looks like something i really want to invest in although i do have to say that any amy bento workout is definitely an advanced level workout!

Original Post by hayleymajayley:

Sully is right, there really isn't anything you can do with a kettlebell that you can't do with a dumbbell. They're fun though :] Makes you feel like you are doing something fun and different.

 I think that part of your post is the diff bt working out with dumbbells or kettleballs. I incorporate them into my workouts at least once a week.

kettleballs are dumbbells you can dance with.

I agree with <littlesimongeorge>. You have to know how to use them to make them effective. They are hardly like dumbells.

Original Post by bmx419:

I agree with . You have to know how to use them to make them effective. They are hardly like dumbells.

 They are nothing like dumbells! Never onces have I gotten a good sweat going with dumbells no matter how much I tried, with kettlebells, I have! With Kettlebells I am sweatiung within 20 minutes and I leave feeling strong and accomplished! I know that I am getting a great full body workout with kettlebells and I have never felt stronger!

Original Post by bikini_in_december:

 They are nothing like dumbells!

 What's the difference? what can you do with a kettlebell that you can't do with a dumbell?

I can feel a better workout and the weight is distributed differently with a kettlebell than a dumbell, it's uneven and unstable and I can feel it engage my core much more that when I worked out with dumbells.

Original Post by floggingsully:

 What's the difference? what can you do with a kettlebell that you can't do with a dumbell?

 I don't have time found a great article to answer your question.

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/henkin24.htm

[I'm a strong believer in incorporating kettleball workouts into your weekly workouts.]

Here's a good thread about kettlebells, the differences between dumbells, people's experiences / preferences, etc:

Anyone here use or have used Kettlebells?
http://caloriecount.about.com/anyone-use-used -kettlebells-ft136544-1

I still work out four to five days a week with kettlebells at a local gym that offers daily kettlebell classes.  My goal right now is fitness and weightloss, though, so I am not in it for bodybuilding.  My strength and endurance have definitely increased and I enjoy the kettlebell classes much more than I did going to the gym.   That's just me though. :)

Original Post by floggingsully:

Original Post by bikini_in_december:

 They are nothing like dumbells!

 What's the difference? what can you do with a kettlebell that you can't do with a dumbell?

 You can do the same things, but kettlebells give you a different work out. A better one.

Something I will add is that Kettlebells are just tools, like dumbells and barbells are.

Not sweating when lifting barbells and dumbells is not an indication of kettelbells being superior or a better workout. 

It's down to the individual user to get the best out of their chosen tools, be it a barbell, dumbell, kettlebell or a can of beans...ok maybe not the can of beans! lol

Original Post by littlesimongeorge:

Something I will add is that Kettlebells are just tools, like dumbells and barbells are.

 Exactly.   They are not mutually exclusive where you have to use just one or just the other.   Why use dumbells for kettlebell type exercises, though, when you could use a kettlebell?   Sure you probably could go through the same motions, but thats not really the intent of dumbells and you wouldn't get the full benefit. 

You could eat soup with a fork.   Just because you can, though, doesn't mean its smart. :)

I'd say kettlebells are more like a spork. Most people eat soup with a spoon, but if you've got a spork, there's a novelty to it that might make eating soup more fun, and you might enjoy your soup more.

It isn't any better than using the ol' spoon (dumbbells), just different. Plus, sporks cost more than spoons.

I love my kettlebell.  Its a great workout.

Original Post by amethystgirl:

I'd say kettlebells are more like a spork. Most people eat soup with a spoon, but if you've got a spork, there's a novelty to it that might make eating soup more fun, and you might enjoy your soup more.

It isn't any better than using the ol' spoon (dumbbells), just different. Plus, sporks cost more than spoons.

 for once amethyst i'm going to have to disagree with you (after i looked up sporks).

sporks look like they would make eating soup less efficient. whereas swinging a kettlebell is a little more aerodynamically efficient that swinging a clunky dumbbell.