Author Topic: Are kettlebells overrated? (Read 16647 times)

OneMoreRep · « **on:** July 01, 2012, 05:18:39 AM »

Have you bodybuilding avant-gardes noticed the craze over kettlebells that has progressively grown over the last 3-4 years?

What's the story with kettlebells?

Are they a crossfit training fad?

Are they no more useful than flinging around a dumbbell with the same amount of weight?

Can any of you claim a discernible difference in your physique due to their use?

My equinox gym now has an entire section area of our gym dedicated to crossfit training with all sorts of gimmick tools and kettlebells have started to accumulate in large numbers.

"1"

mass243 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2012, 05:35:25 AM »

It's a fashion boom right now... though I think it's already declining a bit....

Kettlebells are big in Russia. They even have had annual championships of kb lifting since the 60's.
Used also in training of soldiers so it sure must have some benefits.

Ursus · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2012, 05:38:23 AM »

Good for mobility, cardio, fat loss and abs.

OBVIOUSLY moving any weight will build muscle to a degree etc

They are not 'better' they are a different tool that if you want to try or enjoy doing you should.

They are NOT a magic wand though.

OneMoreRep · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2012, 05:42:09 AM »

Quote from: mass243 on July 01, 2012, 05:35:25 AM

It's a fashion boom right now... though I think it's already declining a bit....

Kettlebells are big in Russia. They even have had annual championships of kb lifting since the 60's.
Used also in training of soldiers.

How effective are they in building strength?

"1"

OneMoreRep · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2012, 05:43:34 AM »

Quote from: Ursus on July 01, 2012, 05:38:23 AM

Good for mobility, cardio, fat loss and abs.

OBVIOUSLY moving any weight will build muscle to a degree etc

They are not 'better' they are a different tool that if you want to try or enjoy doing you should.

They are NOT a magic wand though.

Well, they even have a kettlebell class at my gym that does about 45min - 1 hour of kettlebell routines.

"1"

Ursus · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2012, 05:55:51 AM »

I have used them out of curiosity - not for the cardio.

You will not build a big physique but for the average person you can build a good physique!

flipper5470 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 01, 2012, 06:25:04 AM »

I like using KB's for higher rep cardio work....usually using a clock instead of counting reps. The distribution of the weight feels different than a DB...try doing a high pull with one and not have it flip over and crack your wrist...

Fallsview · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2012, 06:28:17 AM »

Someone should PM Alex23 or Chaos on this as they are experts (no joke)

KFI640!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr Anabolic · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2012, 06:38:34 AM »

There used to be a kettleball training studio across the street from the gym I used to train at... it only lasted about 6 months. Some of the exercises I've seen done with kettleballs seem foolish and dangerous to me, especially if you drop the fucking thing.

Although it may be beneficial in some ways, kettleball training is/was a fad.

Donny · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2012, 06:39:52 AM »

A waste of time...stick to Barbells and Dumbbells. really think they will build you up like a heavy loaded bar?? I think it´s a thing to interest people more into cross fit bollocks and general fitness...Bodybuilding??? in my opinion ..NO

Ursus · « **Reply #10 on:** July 01, 2012, 06:44:38 AM »

They are not designed for bbuilding.

They are meant to be a simple tool that can be used for many things.

Donny · « **Reply #11 on:** July 01, 2012, 06:47:46 AM »

Quote from: Mr Anabolic on July 01, 2012, 06:38:34 AM

There used to be a kettleball training studio across the street from the gym I used to train at... it only lasted about 6 months. Some of the exercises I've seen done with kettleballs seem foolish and dangerous to me, especially if you drop the fucking thing.

Although it may be beneficial in some ways, kettleball training is/was a fad.

yes waste of time.

Ursus · « **Reply #12 on:** July 01, 2012, 06:48:45 AM »

High rep swings are very good for cardio!

You will not build a huge physique using KB's or a balanced one.

EH · « **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2012, 07:20:01 AM »

i use'em with clients. you can train soccer moms and fat hockey dads with 2 sets of kettle bells 12 and 16kg, a yoga mat, a 3/4" band, a 2" rope, and a TRX strap all day. throw in some thai pads and sparing gloves maybe and a 30lb solid lead bar.

I'll use kettle bells myself for 1 arm overhead tricep extensions with a 24 or 30kg. easier on my wrists than a regular dumbell. that's about the only bodybuilding use for them.

flipper5470 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 01, 2012, 07:35:15 AM »

Although I will agree that the use of the term "pood" to describe the weight is phenomanally gay

chaos · « **Reply #15 on:** July 01, 2012, 08:37:15 AM »

Quote from: OneMoreRep on July 01, 2012, 05:43:34 AM

Well, they even have a kettlebell class at my gym that does about 45min - 1 hour of kettlebell routines.

"1"

Do it.

Ursus · « **Reply #16 on:** July 01, 2012, 09:54:13 AM »

I do know one or twoo people who trained with free weights and now exclusively train with KBS. I think submitting to any fad so easily and quickly is a bit daft IMO

chaos · « **Reply #17 on:** July 01, 2012, 11:42:28 AM »

Quote from: Ursus on July 01, 2012, 09:54:13 AM

I do know one or twoo people who trained with free weights and now exclusively train with KBS. I think submitting to any fad so easily and quickly is a bit daft IMO

KBs been around way too long to be called a fad. They've just found a "cool" way to market them.

Ursus · « **Reply #18 on:** July 01, 2012, 01:16:02 PM »

What I mean is the whole RKC, Pavel Dragondoor Comrade fad.

chaos · « **Reply #19 on:** July 01, 2012, 06:55:40 PM »

Quote from: Ursus on July 01, 2012, 01:16:02 PM

What I mean is the whole RKC, Pavel Dragondoor Comrade fad.

I think they are fun for cardio, but wouldn't use them for strength training. All the marketing and advertisements just push it to the masses.

HTexan · « **Reply #20 on:** July 01, 2012, 07:07:57 PM »

yes. overrated. the swinging that most people do with kettlebells, is a very good way to get hurt.

Vince G, CSN MFT · « **Reply #21 on:** July 01, 2012, 07:51:59 PM »

Quote from: OneMoreRep on July 01, 2012, 05:18:39 AM

Have you bodybuilding avant-gardes noticed the craze over kettlebells that has progressively grown over the last 3-4 years?

What's the story with kettlebells?

Are they a crossfit training fad?

Are they no more useful than flinging around a dumbbell with the same amount of weight?

Can any of you claim a discernible difference in your physique due to their use?

My equinox gym now has an entire section area of our gym dedicated to crossfit training with all sorts of gimmick tools and kettlebells have started to accumulate in large numbers.

"1"

I had bought a kettlebell set last year. Good set of weights but I've found that they have made my forearms and grips much stronger.

flipper5470 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 01, 2012, 08:19:58 PM »

Quote from: HTexan on July 01, 2012, 07:07:57 PM

yes. overrated. the swinging that most people do with kettlebells, is a very good way to get hurt.

Using virtually any weight incorrectly is a good way to get hurt...

Mr Nobody · « **Reply #23 on:** July 01, 2012, 08:22:55 PM »

I bought a set and sold them at a yard sale, use less.

claymore · « **Reply #24 on:** July 02, 2012, 04:30:35 AM »

Quote from: Ursus on July 01, 2012, 05:38:23 AM

Good for mobility, cardio, fat loss and abs.

OBVIOUSLY moving any weight will build muscle to a degree etc

They are not 'better' they are a different tool that if you want to try or enjoy doing you should.

They are NOT a magic wand though.

Agreed