Thanks for your great comments and encouragement. I’ll check out the local Target tomorrow and see what they have. To date I have just been running intervals with the treadmill set at a 5* incline and set at ~7mph… which sounds awfully slow. About a dozen years ago I ran a half marathon at around an 8:30 pace – but that was at a much lighter weight and I was obviously in much better shape. And of course I warm up on the treadmill before doing the Tabata intervals. I need to diversify a bit though, and the kettlebells look interesting. Thanks for your comments!

Kevin

The ones from Target are VERY workable, I couldn’t find one in a heavy enough weight there. Their stock is inconsistent, but check there just in case.

I tried some other sources, but the ONLY non-Pavel internet ones that come close are the Kaizens from http://www.budovideos.com – they have thick handles on the smaller bells, instead of skinny handles that cut into your hands, and also they are “inverted vee” handles instead of “u” handles, which becomes important for some moves. They seem to have been mostly replaced by GoFit on that website, and while the GoFit design and prices look good as well, I haven’t personally tried them.

I don’t think 35 pounds is a good place to start. Admittedly I’m kind of weak, but a 26 pounder may be a better starting point for people new to kettlebells, and I even use a “girly” 18 pounder for light workouts. BTW, 26 pounders are usually sold in kg which translates to 12kg, when you go to order (or 16kg if you go with the larger size).

The 26 pounder will give you a fine “kettle bell swing” routine, and also work out your shoulder and arms if you alternate arms (single arm swings) instead of doing double grip swings. And if you do press ups, the 26 pounder is a LOT easier to start out with. The 35 pounder is, however, considered the “normal” size for a guy ONCE you are in shape.

If you get hooked, you are probably want to get a PAIR of the 35 pounders (or the next size up if you are stronger) to do some good suitcase squats.

Hey, you’ve got a LOT of fun ahead of you, I love kettlebells, Steve Maxwell has some great videos (look on the budovideos site I linked to), Pavel is “perfection” but he only shows a few moves on each DVD, which gets expensive. I’ve seen others demonstrate kettlebell moves, but imho Maxwell and Pavel are the best.

Enjoy!

I know. I’ve managed to put on 7 pounds. And I, too, blame it on the dismal economy, because I weigh myself every day and its ALL been since Lehmann tanked

That’s a good price if shipping is reasonable. Target sometimes carries the 35# from GoFit. I follow Pavel’s program at http://www.dragondoor.com.

I also enjoyed your review of the Air Boss. I’ve traveled the globe with it and swear by mine.

Garry

Thanks for the comment and the encouragement. I’ve seen Kettlebells used in videos of Tabata workouts, and it looks intense; I’ll give it a try. I found a 35lb. Kettlebell @ muscledriverusa.com for $45 – is that a decent price? http://tinyurl.com/68b6qu Thanks again!

Kevin