Give me a “K”. “K”. Give me a “E”. “E”. Give me a…
“T” “T” “L” “E” “B” “E” “L” “L”
What’s that spell? Kettlebell!!!!
I’m not sure where I first read about kettlebells. I’m sure it was online but as soon I read some of the claims made by kettlebell enthusiasts I knew I had to give them a try. So in August, I started training with kettlebells. Luckily there is a senior RKC instructor who does group classes on the beach in my town. Now 4 months later, I’m hooked. In fact, I like them so much I’ve signed up to take the HKC (Hardstyle Kettlebell Certification) through Dragon Door. Scary name huh? If that goes well I will continue training for the RKC later in the year. Everything I’ve read about the RKC 3-day weekend sounds grueling but I’m am enjoying kettlebells that much so I want to go for it. Here’s a quick list of what I like about them.
1. Overall conditioning. I like how they combine cardio and strength while increasing flexibly and balance.. They give my entire body and awesome workout in a short amount of time.
2. Unique and challenging. There are a lot of moves you do with kettlebells that you can do with dumbbells but the unique shape of the kettlebell gives you a wider range of motion and the weight distribution feels totally different. Plus, there are a lot moves that are unique to kettlebells. I recently learned to do squats and presses holding the bell upside by the handle. I had to engage every muscle to keep it balanced and the challenge made it fun too which takes me to my next reason.
3. Fun. I like the free flowing feel of kettlbells. I like the challenge of the exercises that require lots of concentration and balance because it makes time go by faster.
4. Compact. I can do countless exercises with one bell and that bell can be easily stored in the closet. I’ve been keeping mine in the corner of my dining room. I’ve picked it up many times for a quick but intense workout. When we travel by car I can throw, well set, it in the trunk.
5. So this may not be a real reason but I like the old school circus strongman factor. They are just sort of funky and I like funky.
Kettbells are not rocket science but it doesn’t hurt to get some good instruction. You can look on Dragon Door to see if there is a reputable instructor in your town or look at the many books and dvds that are available.
xoxo
j
This is my (almost) sane quest for insane health. Let's 
I’ve been wanting to try kettlebells for a few months now. I wish they had some classes at the gym where I take my kids so I can get a workout in. Do you take your boys to the beach with you or leave them at home with Brent? Maybe one of these days I can join you at the beach!
Hey Courtney! I leave them at home since class is at 7 am. There is are also classes on tue and thur evenings at 6. I’d love if you could join me one morning! Doug, the instructor is great. He is one of only 9 senior ranked Rkc instructors. Of course it’s hard to beat working out on the beach too!!
What size kettlebell do you use? I asked for some for Christmas but wasn’t sure what size to tell “Santa.” I work out with weights usually 4 times a week so I’m not really a beginner but I also don’t lift really heavy weights, either. Maybe the 16 lbs.??
I started with an 18 pounder while I got the basics of form down but quickly moved up to 26lbs and use a 35 for some exercises (mostly lower body stuff). My guess is that if you are already lifting 4x a week you may want to just get the 26 since you will probably “grow out” of the 18 pretty quickly. You could go to play it again Sam and pick up the two weights to see what you think.