3 Tips for Getting Started with Kettlebells
Starting anything new–whether it’s a job or a fitness routine–is both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. Even if you have some experience with working out, getting started with kettlebells might still be intimidating.
We get it. They’re a funny shape. How do you even hold them?!
The movements people do with them look downright crazy–swinging them up, down, and all around. You want me to do what?!
Often, they are labeled in kilograms instead of pounds. How much weight is that? What size bell should I start with?!
There are a lot of questions when it comes to getting started with kettlebells but they don’t have to be as complicated, or scary, as they seem.
Kettlebells are a fantastic tool for beginners and advanced movers alike. There is always a way to make them work for your skill level. If you'd like to start using kettlebells but need a little help getting started, this one is for you! We've outlined 3 important tips to help you feel confident taking hold of your first kettlebell!!
Tip #1: Selecting your weights
"What weight should I use?" This is a question we get from almost every new kettlebell lifter. Understandably so! The movements look a bit different and many women have never done them before.
As a beginner, you’ll likely progress into needing heavier weights more quickly than you think so having 3-5 kettlebells of varying weights is ideal but if your budget is limited, selecting 1 bell for upper body movements and 1 bell for lower body movements is a great place to start.
We suggest going with 8-10kg (15-20lb) for your upper body lifts and 12-20kg (25-45lb) for your lower body lifts.
These weight selections are appropriate even if you’ve already been following another fitness program but are looking to add kettlebells into your routine.
You can get a lot out of even a light kettlebell as you improve your technique with this fun fitness tool!
Tip #2: Follow a program
Any workout can make you breathe hard and work up a sweat but if you really want to make progress it is important to have a solid training program.
A well-designed kettlebell training program will teach you the fundamentals of each movement before jumping into more advanced variations and will give you time to build strength and skill with each lift.
It will challenge you in a smart and achievable way. The great thing about kettlebells is that you can do the workouts pretty much anywhere and they don’t require hours of your time!
We have a few different 12-week programs–technique videos included–that will help you learn to use kettlebells in a safe and effective manner while also helping you burn fat and build muscle. Check them out here!
Tip #3: Master the basics
It can be tempting to do the super fancy ballistic movements you see on social media but mastering your technique in the basic kettlebell movements is what is going to get you results.
Basic doesn’t have to be boring. When you have a plan like the ones we mentioned above and are continually challenging yourself, progress will come faster and there is more excitement in that than any fancy lift.
Plus, once you have the basics down, you’ll have a little more wiggle room to experiment with fancy lifts safely if/when you want to.
You just can’t go wrong with fundamental movements. Despite the fancy things being fun, even the most advanced practitioners still use basics most of the time!
Tip #4: Practice, practice, practice!
Ultimately, you’ve just gotta get out there and practice! There is no shame in being a beginner and there’s no way to get better at something than to put in the reps. Or, as we like to say…
#REPITOUT
Follow the first 3 tips and you will make quick progress with your kettlebell strength practice!
We are here for you! If you’d like more guidance or information on getting started with your health and fitness journey please send us a message 😃
Of course, you can always find plenty of other tips in our Facebook group–Kettlebell Workouts & Fat Loss Solutions for Crazy Busy Women. Join other motivated women repping it out every single day!!