Kettlebells and Weight Loss

I decided to go on a search for the best overall body workout I could do in as little time as possible. Do you find it hard to make time for exercise? My sister had tried to talk me into getting the P90X workout program that requires up to 1 1/2 hours a day! Not only that, but it’s hard! I think I may have found a workout routine that will suit me. It requires the use of kettlebells.

Get an intense workout in minutes with kettlebells.

Have you heard of these? Evidently they’ve been quite popular for a while now but I didn’t know much about them.

Kettlebells have been around for a long time. The reason for the most recent gain in popularity is that you can get an intense workout in minutes. Not only that but you can tone your muscles (strength training) and improve overall fitness (cardio or aerobic training) at the same time. Many people have chosen kettlebell workouts for weight loss, fat loss, and toning. Sounded good to me.

So what does it involve? From what I’ve been able to figure out kettlebells are typically made of cast iron and range in weight from 5 lbs. to 100 lbs. or more. They are shaped like a ball and have a rounded handle that makes them easy to grip. You hold the kettlebell in one hand or both and go through a variety of swings, presses, or pulling motions. Depending on the movement, you can be working your whole body as you adjust your legs and hips to stabilize yourself.

Initially I thought I might purchase the DVD training and Kettlebell set by Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser program. I discovered I could buy a set at my local Walmart. Instant gratification can be nice so I drove over to see what I could find.

Unfortunately, I learned that this particular set was not available at the store even though the website suggested it might be. Yes, I know, I should have called first but I needed to run some errands anyway. I made good use of the time by getting a sense of what a kettlebell workout might be like by lifting the various other kettlebells on the shelf.

Maybe I should say I tried to lift them! I quickly discovered that any of the weights over 6 pounds would be too heavy for me to use with one hand. (Not to hold but to have the strength to lift straight out in a forward motion from my hip.) Everything I’ve read suggests that paying attention to good form is essential to avoid injury. The kettlebells available at Walmart are heavy! I didn’t realize at the time that kettlebells usually weigh a minimum of 5 pounds.

I headed back home after finishing my other errands to do more research. After spending a considerable amount of time exploring the various options online, I discovered the DVD workout and kettlebells by Kathy Smith. In a short time I decided her kit might work and so I ordered one from Amazon.

The complete kit includes:

-One 3 lb. Soft Kettlebell

-One 5 lb. Soft Kettlebell

-4 Workouts DVD: Upper Body, Buns & Thighs, Core, and Fat Burning

-A Nutrition Solution Guide

-A Kettlebell Solution Instructional Wall Chart

What I like is that the kettlebells in Kathy’s kit are not exactly traditional. There’s a 3 lb. and 5 lb. soft kettlebell. “Soft” evidently means they are made of a rigid resin and filled with sand unlike the traditional ones made of cast iron. These seem like they will be safer for me just starting out.

Also, the 3 and 5 lb. weights should be enough for me to get a good workout as a beginner. The suggestion is to simply do more reps as it becomes too easy or I can transition to heavier kettlebells.

Many people report that they like the comfort and feel of the soft kettlebells. Others give Kathy credit for putting together workout that’s fun. At the same time there was the recommendation for caution and the need for proper technique. So I decided it might be best to supplement my purchase with a DVD from a pro.

The price for the kit by Kathy Smith is reasonable although higher than what some of the reviews reported. I checked with pricegrabber to see if there might be a better price than Amazon but didn’t find anything I could trust. So I went ahead and bought a kit at the going price.

I also ended up buying the Paul Katami KettleBell Kombos DVD. This Kettlebell Master Instructor has received very high ratings and reviews. He is recommended by a number of people who are experienced in doing kettlebell workouts. His DVDs consistently get high marks for the emphasis on form. And he includes a “clinic” to teach how to do each exercise properly.

At my age (mid to late fifties), I don’t want to take any chances. Given that you may be younger than me, you may be fine with just the Kathy Smith workout.

I wish I could have purchased both of these items locally. Now I’ll have to wait a week or more to get my packages in the mail before I can start! Hopefully in a few more weeks I can give you a full report of my experiences with the kettlebells and the workout routines.

In the meantime let me know what exercise or workout routines you may have tried for toning, shaping, or weight loss. Anything you’d recommend to others?

[Disclaimer: The product links in this article are for Amazon.com. I am affiliated with Amazon. However, I only promote products that I personally like or that I have researched with the intention of trying myself. If you click through a link I provide and make a purchase I may receive a tiny commission that helps me pay for the time I spend to research, write, edit, and maintain this website. Thank you.]

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