kettlebells

[surgtech1956]

Does anyone workout with kettlebells? I've been thinking about training them. Is 10 lbs about the right weight to start out with????

[Zen]

I've tried them but without any formal instruction.
I highly recommend instruction otherwise you'll just be lifting like usual or swinging them around like a madwoman.

Maybe you can get some info here (http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/equipment/qt/Kettlebells.htm)

[ny biker]

I see people using them at the gym. Some of them look like they're going to hurt themselves. So I agree that getting instruction first would be good.

[surgtech1956]

Thanks, I think I'll just use my hand weights(that I already have) - these kettlebells are really pricey.

[yellow]

Different from hand weights. The key is using your core to swing the bell, not your arms. We do a lot of KB swings in Crossfit and we never swing to the side; always vertical. We also do squats with them and occasionally box jumps. It is an amazing tool; I definitely have a love/hate relationship with it. I think the one I'm currently swinging is 35 pounds. I started with an 18 pounder (I think). In addition to Zen's link, you can read more about it on this page (http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/excercise.html#KBs).

If you have an opportunity to try one, give it a whirl. I wouldn't buy one without trying it.