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(More customer reviews)I frequently read that the kettlebell can increase your calorie burn during a workout by 60%. While I was curious to put that to the test, I already knew I enjoyed doing a kettlebell workout from having gotten to play with them once in a gym and, not only feeling the results the next day, but feeling that the workout was FUN. (For me a workout is like broccoli sprouts...I know it's good for me so I partake of it more than I want to, but I still have to make myself do it and rarely consider it fun.)
CALORIE BURN: Does it really increase your calorie burn by 60%? Well, no. But it does truly sizzle some calories. I wear a bodybugg to measure how many calories my body burns per day and can, therefore, also measure how many calories I burn during a particular workout and how many calories I burn per minute during any activity and per day. I say this only so you'll know I have some range of scientific measurement rather than simply perceived exertion. The beauty of a kettlebell workout is that typically you'll burn more calories during a cardio workout, but a strength training workout makes you burn less during the workout--but more the rest of the day...this combined the two. I burned more calories by getting my heart rate up with kettlebell moves during the workout and continued to burn them at a higher rate the rest of the day. It wasn't 60% more calories than I normally burn but I did burn a few hundred more than I normally do in a cardio routine and my metabolism did remain elevated throughout the day...what I burn is going to be different than anyone else because of the variables of muscle density, height, weight, workout, etc... but there is a reason these were adopted from Russia even for hardcore bodybuilders. It works AND it adds interest to what you do, for a good solid workout.
HOW TO USE ONE: This is basically a round weight with a handle making it easy to grip. In any exercise where you would use two weights combined (hard to grip) you can use the kettlebell for better reps. However, their true beauty is in a routine designed specifically for the kettlebell because the motions you are able to do with swinging and moving with this equipment in mind, will work muscles you would otherwise often not hit in any regular strength or circuit routine and zap more fat. For women, there are some beginner kettlebell dvds on Amazon if you are just starting out, but if you are slightly more fit and able to do other aerobic or strength routines, you might go for: The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning With Kettlebells DVD or Powerbody: Bootcamp.
WEIGHT: Although many kettlebell sites will suggest women begin with a 17 lb weight, most find that too heavy for an entire routine. Personally I think you should look at what weights you are already able to use in a strength routine. If you use 2 5-lb. handweights, then I would use a 10 lb. to start. I use 2 6-or-7-lb. handweights so the 12 lb. was ideal for me, but it is heavy and sometimes I still do less reps than suggested on a kettlebell dvd.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ONE: Troy makes barbells. They are known for quality pieces and kettlebells can be unbalanced or the wrong weight so, regardless of the brand name you choose, I'd suggest going for a kettlebell made by someone who specializes in weights/barbells already. This is a perfect handle...big enough to grip but not so wide it makes gripping or moves awkward. And the texture of the handle keeps it in your sweaty hand...swinging a weight around your room that doesn't have a good grip is not a good thing, for obvious reasons. The whole piece is metal but the base is dipped in a lime green vinyl. This is very important if you have any kind of floor you wish to protect, as kettlebells that are just metal scratch surfaces easily.
STRENGTH TRAINING ONLY: If you wish to use these strictly for strength training rather than a circuit workout that I prefer, there are tons of kettlebell books and dvds to help you if you are new to it. It's also a great workout to do with your man if you are looking for one...since men using a heavier resistance get a great workout doing the same moves you will benefit from with a lighter weight. You can both do the same workout using different weights of kettlebells.
NEGATIVES: I try to brainstorm any negatives for something I love in order to still give a full picture for those with an opposing opinion...it's a kettlebell though...what can I say? I guess if I had to pull something off the top of my head that I would personally like if I could create my ideal kettlebell, it would be adjustable in weight so I could go up or down in weight depending upon the workout or as I progress in building muscle. However, I did look at some adjustable kettlebells and they were either not the weights I wanted or not vinyl coated. Still, that would be my ideal.
Also: Know that this is one kettlebell. That's what I wanted for my routines as do most, but, because some people use them in place of weights and want one in each hand, know that you are not getting a pair.
CONCLUSION: Adds interest and results to my routine, good quality kettlebell.
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Kettlebells give you a total body workout by increasing strength, agility, endurance and balance.
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