Kettlebells Vs Other Forms of Fitness Programs
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Kettlebells Vs Every Other Form of Fitness Equipment and Program
Kettlebells Vs Running
I've been running for years now, and love the runner's high you get from it. I love the feeling my legs get after a long country run complete with hills and valleys. There's no other feeling. I even ran my first marathon a couple of years ago and did pretty well for my first time. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I'm qualified to discuss the benefits of kettlebells vs running.Yes, you get a great feeling after running--no doubt about it. However (and other women out there may agree with this), you just don't get that core workout you get from kettlebells. Some of us women have a tendency to get that "muffin top" around our middle. I noticed this after having two kids. I'm thin, but I still found that this was a bothersome spot on my body. I know men suffer from that "tire" around their middle. Well, this is the equivalent of the man's tire.
It didn't matter how far I ran, I still couldn't get rid of the extra weight I carried around the lower abs. That is until I discovered kettlebells. Holy smoke! What a few weeks of using kettlebells can do for your middle! Not only will you shrink that annoying extra fat, you will carve awesome lines in your stomach that you never had before.
Not only that, but many of the kettlebell exercises are geared towards your legs, glutes and rear. After using kettlebells, I feel like my whole lower half looks better than when I trained for the marathon. And guess what? You only need to spend 30-45 minutes a few times a week doing kettlebell exercises that work your whole body vs hoofing it out on the road--only working a few major body parts.
My Absolute Favorite Kettlebell DVDs That Reshaped My Body
Just a side note...the first DVD listed below, the Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim and Tone, comes with a 4lb kettlebell. I quickly replaced this kettlebell with a 10lb kettlebell. For some of the exercises, I even use my 20lb kettlebell.
I love all of these DVDs for different reasons, but the one thing they all have in common is that they work in some cardio, or in the case of the Kettlebell Bombshell DVD, you don't think you're getting cardio on the first workout, but you definitely work up a good sweat. The second and third workouts on this DVD hit the cardio pretty well. I also like that you can pick one of the workouts to do if you're short on time, or stack them for a really great workout.
Bob Harper's workout is tough! You'll be sweating after this one. He gets in a lot of cardio, and makes sure you get an all over body workout.
Here's what one user had to say about the Gaiam Kettlenetics Slim & Tone DVD:
"I am very pleased with this product and the dvd. Michelle is very experienced and pushes you just enough to get your heart rate up and when you feel like you might be on the verge on quitting she then gives you a slowdown break, it doesn't seem like you are doing much but I was sweating like crazy and very sore for a few days and I already do pilates and yoga and walk up hills. So enjoy, I am!!! My girls who are 7 and 9 years old like to do it with me. They are not quite able to do the entire routine with the kettlebell but they like the workout."
Here's what one user had to say about Kettlebell Bombshell:
"This is by far one of the best fitness videos I have ever used. I am in the fitness field and have looked at many dvd's over time, and tend to be disappointed with the construction and pacing of most dvd based workouts. However, Kettlebell bombshell is brilliant in it's format and pacing.
First, the video begins by showing you EVERY exercise that will be used within the 3 workouts on the dvd. This allows you to get comfortable with the exercises before you try one of three workouts given. What's even better is that the intro to the exercises is also a workout! I enjoyed doing this section before I started one of the workouts so I felt comfortable and could follow along better.
It also gave me a chance to focus on my form. The workouts themselves are awesome, both fun and challenging. Lisa provides both inspiration and motivation within the video. My favorite thing about the workouts is that they are paced very well. I never feel like Lisa talked to fast or jumped exercises. For once I felt like there was a fitness DVD I could follow along with the entire duration. In addition to being concise in her instructions the workouts are not very long, which allows me to do them in a time crunch, if I have extra time I can do each work out twice or choose two different formats.
Now for the results! First off the key to getting results with any workout is consistency, you have to be at least committed to doing this workout a few times a week for anything to happen. Don't expect for it to work magic if you only do it once a month. I find when I do the workouts at least 3x a week, I see results very quickly, I lose inches become more toned and see and feel a difference in my body, especially the core and butt. Although you are using weights the kettlebell method does slim you down, rather then bulk you up (look at Lisa if you don't believe me). I am a yogini and was worried that this workout might compact my muscles, I was pleastenly6 surprised when I found it enhanced my practice :)
Overall I have three suggestions
1. If your new to kettlebells and already see a trainer get Kettle Bell Bombshell
2. If you have never tried kettlebells and can't afford a trainer and want a good dvd get Kettlebell Bombshell
3. If you just want to change your workout routine, get results and have fun, get Kettlebell Bombshell"
Here's what one user had to say about Bob Harper's Kettlebell Cardio Shred:
"This is a fantastic workout! I was interested in kettlebells and this DVD was highly recommended so I figured I'd give it a try. I'm so happy I did! The workout is very challenging (I usually workout 5 or 6 days a week and definitely found it difficult). Bob is encouraging but makes you sweat and work hard. The best thing is, I've done the workout only three times and I see a major difference in my body! For me personally, these are much faster results than I've ever gotten from running or lifting weights alone. "
Kettlebells VS P90X Workout Program
I completed the P90X workout about 1 1/2 years ago. I thought it was an awesome workout and I highly recommend it for anyone that wants to challenge themselves to completing a very rigorous 90 day workout program. If you have an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes to spare six days a week, and want to be able to say you completed P90X, then by all means, go for it!Seriously, P90x is a great workout program. My husband lost 12 pounds by doing this workout. I lost absolutely nothing, however, I got really toned--but not as toned as I am by doing kettlebells and just following the kettlebell instructional DVDs I listed above. I got more toned in less time by doing kettlebell workouts 4-5 times per week, for 30-45 minutes.
I support what Tony Horton of P90X is all about. There's no doubt that muscle confusion works. I just don't believe you need to workout that long, six days a week to get in awesome shape. My stomach, arms, legs and glutes got more firm in less time by following the kettlebell routines in the DVDs above, than in 90 days of P90X hell!
I can't stress enough that P90X is a great workout and you will get in shape. I'm just saying that I personally got in better shape, faster, and by dedicating less time per week by doing kettlebell training. You can see my results from my P90X training in my article,P90X Workout Program. Just keep in mind that I wrote this article about P90X BEFORE I tried kettlebells. I was very gung-ho about P90X at the time because it WAS the best workout program I ever tried at that point.
In a nutshell, you will spend more time per day and per week doing P90X exercises, than if you choose kettlebells as your fitness program. Everyone is different, but in my case, I feel like I look stronger, and got in better shape in less time using kettlebells. Your choice.
Kettlebells VS Dumbbells
The biggest difference between kettlebells and dumbbells is the shape of a kettlebell vs the shape of a dumbbell. The kettlebell shape that includes a handle allows it to be maneuvered in all different directions. You can do some pretty basic moves with it just like a dumbbell, but you can also do such moves as the kettlebell one or two-handed swing which is made possible because of the kettlebell handle. This particular move, which is the signature kettlebell move, would not be easy or comfortable with a dumbbell. This one move allows you to really work your core, glutes, and lower body. In my opinion, the kettlebell is just easier to handle, and allows you to do many more moves in a more comfortable fashion. Coming from someone who has worked out with dumbbells for so many years, I never achieved the level of fitness with dumbbells that I've been able to get with kettlebells.
A Must Have Fitness DVD You Need To Add To Your Fitness Program
Jackie's Xtreme Timesaver Training DVD
Kettlebell Weights
If you're a woman, you may want to start with a 5lb kettlebell, but you will quickly move to a 10lb kettlebell, then 15lb, then 20lb. You may even go beyond that, perhaps all the way to a 35lb kettlebell!
If you're a man and you're just starting out with a kettlebell program, you may want to start with a 15 or 20lb kettlebell. However, be prepared to move quickly to the next level of weight. Having 25, 35, and 40lb kettlebells at your disposal wouldl be ideal.
Do You Have Anything To Say About Kettlebells?
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Ylliks
Nov 22, 2011 @ 9:14 am | delete
- I cam here from your PX90 lens. I agree with you on the Kettlebell; it's a great way to work out. I have one at home and I also use them whenever they come up in a Crossfit WOD.
Great lens again :)
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Favorite Kettlebell Workout DVD
Bob Harper: Kettlebell Cardio Shred
Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 06/01/2012)
Bob Harper's Kettlebell Cardio Shred DVD combines the best of both worlds:Cardio and Kettlebells. You won't get a better workout anywhere! Get this DVD and you'll be burning calories hours after your workout is over!
