Russian Kettlebells anyone?

Nope, you don't cook in them.  You lift and swing them.  It's supposed to be a fabulous workout  that combines strength training and cardio.  The Russians have used this technique for years to train their athletes.  A new studio has just opened locally last weekend.  I've signed up for an introductory session this morning.   I was just curious if any of the other CC members have tried kettlebells?

I'm not using them but I read about them a couple of weeks ago and iintend to have a go. They sound fascinating. I have also done a lot of reserch on progressive accelerated cadio exercise, I think, otherwise known as PACE. It is similar to interval training but it makes a lot more sense to me. I'm trying it out although I am not sure if I am setting the tasks right. Basically, it's a period of intensity followed by a rest. Do the same exercise in, for example, five sets changing the intensity but sticking to the rest period.

If you want to know more I can give you the link.

Good luck with the kettlebells. Let us know how it goes.

Well, I survived the intro session to kettlebells.  I am so stiff and sore today, walking is an effort not to mention my arms, back, and abs......and I only did about a third of the class.  This is not for the faint hearted, but it's a hard core workout for those serious about fitness.  No little five pound kettlebells, instead we started with 18 lb kettlebells.  We were taught proper technique for swinging and two different kinds of squats.  Karen, the trainer, demonstrated that the technique is everything - using an 80 lb kettlebell.  I know that was more than half her body weight.  Incredible.  Karen used to be in the gym seven days a week lifting weights and doing cardio.  Since she's begun using kettlebells, she only needs to work out for one hour three times a week.  It's cardio and strength training all in one by training in circuits such as three sets alternating fifteen two handed swings with ten pushups.  The concept is that you can build muscle mass more quickly via compression rather than contractions.  At any rate, I've signed up for ten classes.  I've decided to journal my thoughts and results on CC as I progress through the classes.

Good for you.  Are you now going to do the heavyweight kettlebells three times a week? And are you going to measure yourself weekly or fortnightly? I presume you took your measurements before you started so that you've got something to base the regime on.  Is it kind of like interval training? You know short bursts of exercise with rest periods in between each set. 

It sounds like hard work but the soreness will wear off.  Good luck.