Kettlebells: The New Dumbbell

by Emily
(California)

I started out using kettlebells after seeing them used on popular workout shows such as The Biggest Loser and Celebrity Fit Club. I was always so used to using dumbbells because they were cheaper and came in many more sizes than kettlebells.

Now that they are getting more popular, I found that kettlebells are coming in different sizes too. I decided to buy some for the Jillian Michael's "Shred it with Weights" workout DVD. I bought a five pound and a ten pound kettlebell. During the workout DVD We used them during lunges, did static exercises with them, and did some lying down also.

I liked the workout because the kettlebell is very easy to toss back and forth and to hold on to. I like that you can hold it in the air and flip it up and down for more resistance.

It is, however, difficult to do some static exercises with them such as bicep curls and tricep curls. I also wish they were easier to use during planks but they are a bit too bulky. If they could make kettlebells smaller but still with the same weight, I could use them during more exercises. If I want to work out my core I usually choose to do planks without the kettlebells and then use them only during standing up or lying down workouts.

I plan on buying 2-3 more kettlebells in different weights so I could use them more during workouts. I especially like how versatile they are and that I am allowed to bring them to boot camps or workouts that usually use dumbbells.