Kettle Bells?

[buddha]

Has anybody tried these things?
If so, what is your evaluation of them as a fitness tool?
If you use them is there a particular routine that you use, like a dvd program, that you find gives particularly good results?
I've been toying with the idea of getting one of these for a while. I saw a video somewhere that showed what looked like a kicka$$ workout for strengthening the core.
I really want to get some input on these because my employer came across with Visa giftcards for everybody and it's either kettle bells or beer.
Also, although I am really considering this purchase what would be the difference between buying a kettle bell and using a dumbell of similar weight?

[Kratos]

I've worked with them a little bit. They really specify in core, balance, and flexibility. If you use them properly they provide some insane workouts. These things are typically used for performance, rather than looks. I gave them a shot for a little while for wrestling, they really did give me some nice core strength and helped me stretch out my legs.

[marty22]

My trainer works extensively with them. He started using them on his clients, say, 2 years ago. U can buy them at Sports Authority. It works but Im sure that the tendonitis I got from golf, was a direct result of using the 26 lb. bells. Its taken 2 months and  alot of pills to get my elbow back together.  They do help u with strength. Bells come in 5, 10, 26 and 37 lb weights as far as I know.
20% of all my trainee workouts contain kettle bells somehow.

[BrotherBanzai]

You cannot compare the kettlebell and the dumbell ( different holding technique, different workout, etc. ) The kettelbells are all about to build your overall strength and endurance, not to build some specific muscle groups ( dumbells are more suited for that purpose)
I have a 24kg (53lb) russian kettlebell from http://www.russiankettlebells.com/ and thinking about  second one.
When I have a backpain, it always helps

[Mikekoz13]

I just read a short article praising the benefits of working out with kettle balls. I'm looking to get some after the first of the year.

[buddha]

Have any of you seen the adjustable kettlebell from Wieder? They make a 5-20 lb and a 5-40 lb. It has removable/lockable plates and is described as taking the place of 7 bells of differing weights. They are bloody effing expensive, though. $94 at Wally's for a single 5-20 lb bell.

[Mikekoz13]

Have any of you seen the adjustable kettlebell from Wieder? They make a 5-20 lb and a 5-40 lb. It has removable/lockable plates and is described as taking the place of 7 bells of differing weights. They are bloody effing expensive, though. $94 at Wally's for a single 5-20 lb bell.

Thanks for the info Buddha....those are the ones I'll proably opt for...... these things are expensive anyway so...........

[buddha]

At my local Wally the 5-20 is freakin' $94. They don't even carry the 5-40 but I've seen them on the internet around the $190 range.

[Mikekoz13]

At my local Wally the 5-20 is freakin' $94. They don't even carry the 5-40 but I've seen them on the internet around the $190 range.

OUCH!!

[FR8TRAIN]

Anyone know of a good "beginners" workout routine with these things? I go to the gym 3-4 times a week (though you would never think that) and they have kettle bells there in the full range of weights. I've been intimidated from using them mainly because I don't have the first clue how to incorporate them into a workout routine, other than grabbing them by the handles and picking them up.

My routine generally consists of 20 - 30 min on a treadmill or elliptical trainer then it's off to the weight machines. I alternate upper body one day and lower body the next. I finish off with core exercises, planks, crunches, etc.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[BrotherBanzai]

As I mentioned earlier, you can find everything here
http://www.russiankettlebells.com/
It's quite unusual training tool, so, IMHO, it's better to stick with guys who invented it 

[Iconic]

I do them. Kettlebell is a supertool for developing fuctional musculature. They are not ideal for bodybuilding 'cause bodybuilding is basically about overload progression. But for endurance and all-round fitness it's a refreshing fun way to work out. Kettlebell workouts are usually based on fast ballistic movements which work a lot of muscles at the same time, they are not isolation drills (although you can do them as well). If you google for more info about kb's get familiar with the work of Pavel Tsatsouline and Mike Mahler, both well-known authorities on kb's. And on YouTube, if you can find Steve Cotter's instructional clips, they are the most useful.

Which kettlebells to choose? I bought the 24kg cannonball only to find out that I must get the 16 kg one too (I do pull-ups with additional weight of 55 lbs and barbell presses for some reps with 115 lbs). Kettlebell drills are easier to learn with a not too heavy bell.

[buddha]

OK, so the hospital where I work gave everybody gift cards. I had mulled it over for like 2 weeks and today I went and got the Weider powerbell in the 5-20 pound version. Wally's didn't have the 5-40 and I had read in a few places that it is better, when starting off, to err on the side of being too light. The bell comes with a dvd. In the dvd the instructor, Michael Skogg, lays out 6 basic movements with the bell that just about everything else comes from. I did just the basic moves in one minute increments with a 30 second rest in between as they did it on the dvd. My review:
THIS THING IS ALL O' WHAT THEY SAY!
In the past my regular routine is 4 miles on the treadmill with different dumbell exercises and crunches thrown in. This usually takes me about 90 minutes and I'm tired when I'm done. But this bell thang crapped me out in under 20 minutes. I felt like I really worked. My legs are T-I-R-E-D! I feel like I really worked my upper body, as well but the thing that surprised me the most was how my legs felt afterward.
I am a believer. I'm gonna save up my pennies and get the 5-40 and I figure it will take me that long to really get used to the 5-20 to the point where I can make the transition to the heavier bell.
The locking mechanism on the bell is foolproof and very secure. I dropped the bell once while doing a hand to hand transition and the first thing I thought was "Oh $h!t, I broke it!" But it works like a charm. The grip is wide enough for 2 hands which makes certain movements much easier.
The adjustable weight is a benefit, too. I told my wife about how the workout went and she expressed some interest in trying it but with less weight.
All in all this thing is cool.

[Mikekoz13]

Thanks for the review Buddha! This moves it to the top of my must haves after he Holidays.

[snapper4]

I just started Crossfit. It is crazy and intense, but I love it. Since starting, I just begun to workout with the kettlebells. After one workout, I felt like a boxer hit my in the kidneys about 100 times each side! First starting, your sore and shouldn't just "Jump" in with everything you got. Baby steps at first. You don't have to be in shape to do crossfit. Each workout is scaled to you. Your in competition with yourself to get in better shape. At my gym, we have younger people as well as older people. I have noticed a difference. I bet if I would work on my diet a little I would see more of a difference. Check it out on the web. Just search "Crossfit".