Kettlebells?

[Jim Ouini]

Anyone tried these? Seems like you see them everywhere nowadays...mostly from Pavel but seems like a lot of the other big guys in the iron game use them too. I've always thought they were cool but too damn expensive for a non-adjustable dumbell.

So finally I sprung for some adjustables

I like the idea of swinging these things around like a madman Seems like a lot of fun. I also want to learn how to do a 'pistol' and snatch with these things.

Anyway, I'd like to use these as part of a GPP type program to complement my other lifting.

I may have to buy one of KB books now to learn some moves.

 

[musclebosun]

the only other person I know of who uses kettlebells [and swears by them] is aussie/russian world champion boxer Kostya Zyu. My fav boxer of all time by the way

 

[cmedwin]

So finally I sprung for some adjustables

I like the idea of swinging these things around like a madman Seems like a lot of fun. I also want to learn how to do a 'pistol' and snatch with these things.

Anyway, I'd like to use these as part of a GPP type program to complement my other lifting.

I may have to buy one of KB books now to learn some moves.

I got into Kbells because I wanted to train more OLY style and I didn't want to get the bar, bumper plates, and platform for my small home gym.

There are fairly complete set of video shorts www.kettlestack.com/kettlebell_intro.html
that show a lot of good technique if you slow them down and watch carefully.

 

[Jim Ouini]

Thanks! That's where I got them.

How are you liking them and how are you using them? Like I said I'm plan on using them for GPP to supplement what I do in the gym, although I know they can be used for strength and such.

Now I have to find an open field so I can do some mace swinging

 

[Jim Ouini]

Sweet. I got the kettlestacks today. I was suprised to get them so soon and I was pretty busy today doing some family things but I still found a chance to put a 20lb kb together. At first I had a little trouble figuring out how to put one together, but after reading the copius instructions on their website it was pretty easy.

Unfortunately I don't have room right now to try any moves. But I've just carrried them around the house a little and I really like the feel. Definitely different than just a dumbell with the weight directly below your hands.

We may be going to the beach this weekend so I'm going to bring my sled and the kb's and mess around

 

[anotherbutters]

If it's a crowded beach, it won't be for long with you swinging those things around

Have fun!

 

[Jim Ouini]

Indeed. If I saw some guy swinging a 20-30lb kb around and muttering things like 'whoa I didn't expect that to happen' I think I'd find another spot.

On a related note, I was dragging my sled at a park last weekend and some soccer players were arriving for their sunday romp. I was pulling it backwards, kind of jogging with it actually, and they all stopped and stared. My brother later told me that one of the guys said 'that guy's crazy'.

Damn soccer players, learn how to play real football

 

[blut wump]

Lol

It's weights day at the asylum.

 

[anotherbutters]

Hey B-Dub, your k's gone exponential! I'm sure you were on 58000 only a few days ago, now you're on 62000!

 

[blut wump]

It's not easy being me. Ratio-wise, I think yours has climbed faster.

 

[Jim Ouini]

Just did a few. At the park actually. In the rain. Good thing the soccer team was on vacation or just smart enough to stay inside. But I was feeling sluggish from driving around all day looking at furniture with the wife

Anyway, first I did some sled dragging with a 45. 6 trips back and forth on the wet grass. Then I did 5 x 5 of double swings with 25lb kb's. Basically, it's like a sumo dead except you fling the weight forward at arm's length, contract your lats then let them return to earth. Or at least I did, like resetting on a dead.

Honestly the weight's not that heavy but controlling them and your body is a challenge. A couple times I lost my balance and had to take a few steps forward. I don't think I could do a snatch with this, don't have the control yet. I like this combo for inbetween days from the gym.

 

[Jim Ouini]

Lower back suprisingly tight today, in a good way. It didn't feel like much when I was doing it but this morning I felt like I worked out.

The main thing was reversing the kb - you have momentum going up and then stop it, then on the way down. Then starting it again. The DVD that I got with it makes a point of going from 'loose' to 'tight' and back again. Almost like a stretch-shortening cycle in plyo but with weights.

Fun stuff.

 

[anotherbutters]

Then I did 5 x 5 of double swings with 25lb kb's. Basically, it's like a sumo dead except you fling the weight forward at arm's length, contract your lats then let them return to earth. Or at least I did, like resetting on a dead.

Fun stuff Jim!

I can't help thinking though, that if I swung a pair of those up in front of me from between my legs then contracted my lats, they'd make a beeline for my face.

 

[blut wump]

I think it'd my lats returning to earth.

You seem to be having more fun with your workouts than most people think can be possible.

 

[Jim Ouini]

Fun stuff Jim!

I can't help thinking though, that if I swung a pair of those up in front of me from between my legs then contracted my lats, they'd make a beeline for my face.

To be honest that's what the DVD said to do, not sure I actually did it Although I figure just stopping them at about head level with arms extended I probably contracted them by default, heh.

You seem to be having more fun with your workouts than most people think can be possible.

Well I guess I just like working out and trying new things. But I feel like the core lifts are the base now thanks to the fine folks here on this board. I'm thinking my yearly plan is to run 5 x 5, Korte, DFHT or somesuch and sprinkle some stabilization, speed, accessory or whatever inbetween cycles as support.

So my current workout I superset 12 reps of a core lift followed by 12 reps of a stabilization accessory. I just started the 3rd week of the 4 week committment, 2 x week, increasing intensity every week.

So for example today I did 195 x 12 benching followed by 1-arm cable press 65 x 12. Then:

BB row 195 x 12 + 1-arm high cable row 100 x 12
ATF squat 175 x 12 + step up & balance 30lb db/hand
Military press 85 x 12 + 2.5lb scaption (knocked my chin with the bar today on the way up lol)
Powershrugs 425 x 5 x 5

I really dread this workout and definitely NOT 'fun' - 12 reps is a lot for me and I usually end up bent over gasping for air. But I want to get my conditioning up and improve my stabiliztion strength. So I'm hoping it'll prepare me for Korte which I'll run right after this. We shall see