Kettlebell vs. conventional cardio

[superdave]

anyone use kettlebell as their only cardio training? Im thinking about dropping jogging and getting a few kettlebells to use strictly for cardio but with the added benefit of working the body in a different method in addition to just lifting weights in a gym. who here does this and what are results?

[OneBreath]

I've done this. It's great for when you are cutting fat. If you are bulking and want to do cardio, this isn't such a good idea because it s with recovery from normal lifting. A good kettlebell workout will get you wasted.

If you are just getting started i wouldn't recommend doing this more than 2 or 3 times per week. On the other days do your normal cardio. Let your body get adjusted to the brutality you are inflicting.

[joe d]

Quote posted by superdave anyone use kettlebell as their only cardio training? Im thinking about dropping jogging and getting a few kettlebells to use strictly for cardio but with the added benefit of working the body in a different method in addition to just lifting weights in a gym. who here does this and what are results?

i would say if your just trying to be in good shape then its great but if your hitting the weights and trying to build mass i would stear clear.

[djeclipse]

Quote posted by OneBreath I've done this. It's great for when you are cutting fat. If you are bulking and want to do cardio, this isn't such a good idea because it s with recovery from normal lifting. A good kettlebell workout will get you wasted. If you are just getting started i wouldn't recommend doing this more than 2 or 3 times per week. On the other days do your normal cardio. Let your body get adjusted to the brutality you are inflicting.

What is a good kettlebell cardio workout? Just a bunch of swings? I've never done it as I know it would interfere with my training, but I bet my GF would be interested in it.

[OneBreath]

Quote posted by djeclipse What is a good kettlebell cardio workout? Just a bunch of swings? I've never done it as I know it would interfere with my training, but I bet my GF would be interested in it.

Yeah, it's great for women that are stuck on the cardio machines but kind of what to transition to the weights. Here's one straight from my notes that i used to do for myself as well as for some female clients:

Do as many reps as possible for 30 seconds. Rest for 15 seconds in between movements. Repeat entire cycle depending upon level of conditioning.

- Swings right hand
- Swings left hand
- Swings alternating (letting go with one hand and catching with other at the top)
- Clean and press right hand
- Clean and press left hand
- Clean right hand
- Clean left hand
- Snatch right hand
- Snatch left hand
- Overhead squat right hand
- Overhad squat left hand

Water break

- Lunge right leg
- Lunge left leg
- Windmill right hand
- Windmill left hand
- Squat to press right hand (kb held at shoulder during squat)
- Squat to press left hand
- Figure 8 (moving kb around spread legs in figure 8 as fast as possible, burns abs)
- Around the legs (same as above but just circular

[future]

I would just stick to regular cardio. I wont do exercises like kettlebells. I think they are overhyped and unsound. In general you want to be balanced in all that you do to keep yourself safe. KB's offeres too much off balance work along with potentially dangerous to the shoulders and back.

If you do KBs make sure you have been properly instructed.

[djeclipse]

Quote posted by OneBreath Yeah, it's great for women that are stuck on the cardio machines but kind of what to transition to the weights. Here's one straight from my notes that i used to do for myself as well as for some female clients: Do as many reps as possible for 30 seconds. Rest for 15 seconds in between movements. Repeat entire cycle depending upon level of conditioning. - Swings right hand - Swings left hand - Swings alternating (letting go with one hand and catching with other at the top) - Clean and press right hand - Clean and press left hand - Clean right hand - Clean left hand - Snatch right hand - Snatch left hand - Overhead squat right hand - Overhad squat left hand Water break - Lunge right leg - Lunge left leg - Windmill right hand - Windmill left hand - Squat to press right hand (kb held at shoulder during squat) - Squat to press left hand - Figure 8 (moving kb around spread legs in figure 8 as fast as possible, burns abs) - Around the legs (same as above but just circular

Cool, thanks for the suggestions, I will see if she wants to give this a try.

Cheers.