How To Get Started With Kettlebells for Busy Moms

Busy Mom’s Quick Start Guide to Kettlebell Training

You are excited to begin using the Kettlebell as your new busy mom fat loss tool – but before you jump in, I want to outline four important tips to help you start off safely as well outline what you can do NOW to get the most out of your kettlebell workouts.

Getting Started With Kettlebells Tip #1:
Get The Okay

While kettlebell training is completely safe when you train smart – you must have your doctor’s okay to begin especially if you have high blood pressure, injuries or if you are pregnant.

 

Getting Started With Kettlebells Tip #2:
Choosing a Kettlebell

The KettleBELL is a cast iron ball with a handle attached to the top of it …like a cannonball with a handle.

This design makes kettlebells much different from working out with dumbbells. The weight of a kettlebell is not distributed evenly, with a dumbbell, the center of gravity lies in the your hand but with the kettlebell the center of gravity lies outside of your hand. (See the > Difference between KB and DB for more details)

Choose a quality kettlebell that is designed to be smooth and feel good in your hands. Avoid the cute versions that tend to be sold at Walmart or Target. Cheap is not the route to take if you wish to experience the feel of true kettlebell training.

All of my kettlebells come from PerformBetter.com. There are also a handful of reputable kettlebell sites that sell high quality bells.

Kettlebells How To Get Started With Kettlebells for Busy Moms

Wimpy Weights Will NOT Help You!

When it comes to workouts, I have ALWAYS focused on STRENGTH. The stronger you are, the more lean, toned and defined you will look. Afraid of Bulk? Then you need to get your facts straight. If Bulk was the result of Strength…I would not have lost the post baby inches nor be able to get back into my skinny jeans…and this is only MY testimonial – there are hundreds of successful Fit Yummy Mummy’s who will tell you the same.

When choosing a weight – start with 8-12 kg – which works out to be about 18 – 25 pounds. YES this is fine – Yes you are strong enough to handle this weight – since you are seeking out the proper guidance and instruction to do so.

BTW – Ever consider how much your children weigh?

If a weight is not challenging – not only will you miss out on the metabolic benefits, a light weight will encourage IMPROPER Form. Improper form leads to Zero Results or worse…Injury.

Getting Started With Kettlebells Tip #3:
Learn Form From Qualified Instructors

The best way to learn how to properly use a kettlebell for your fat loss workouts is to get personalized instruction and coaching – meaning, face to face time with a certified kettlebell instructor. Not only can you learn the proper moves in person – you also benefit from the fact that your trainer can see YOUR form and give suggestions for corrections as needed.

As you know… I exclusively coach you online.
If you are unable to schedule an appointment to meet with a certified kettlebell trainer, then your next best option is to choose a reliable resource online that has been created by certified kettlebell trainers.

Yes I am a kettlebell certified trainer – my certification is through Kettlebell Athletics overseen by Pamela MacElree and Jason C. Brown – who certify fitness professionals world-wide. Not only have I been through several certification courses, I also had the honor of creating the Kettlbells For Busy Moms DVD System (which will be release the week of January 30th 2012)  with Pamela MacElree.

I will also add that I TOO take Kettlebell Classes – Dave Randolph of Iron Body Fitness here in Louisville, KY has been my go to source when I am not training with Pamela. Continuing education as well as having the personal support of a qualified professional allows me to stay current and being able to offer my best to you.

If you choose to access kettlebell resources from other sources online, please just take the time to look into the details and make sure the quality of what will be delivered is designed to help you safely reach your fat loss goals.

Getting Started With Kettlebells Tip #4:
2 Moves to Master

Before you even pick up a kettlebell, take the time to check that you can properly perform these 2 foundational lower body exercises.

Squat

Here I show a Goblet Squat using the Kettlebell…

Squat KB goblet 245x300 How To Get Started With Kettlebells for Busy Moms
Key is to keep your weight in your heels as you lower your butt down to the floor – thighs parallel to the floor, knees do not extend past toes.

Hip Hinge (Romanian Deadlift)

Here I show the Short Stop…

SHORT STOP 199x300 How To Get Started With Kettlebells for Busy Moms

Key is to hinge at the waist as your butt goes back toward the wall not down to the floor as in the squat.

Proper form is KEY.

If proper form is not mastered now, adding weight to your kettlebell exercises can only hinder progress and even lead to injury. Practice. Video tape yourself. Get feedback. Make corrections if needed. Then you will be able to effectively progress into some exciting and challenging kettlebell exercises for moms!

Watch for more kettlebells for busy mom videos….including the Top 3 Mistakes Moms Make with Kettlebells, How Kettlebells Burn Belly Fat and How To Do The Swing.

Screen Shot 2011 12 18 at 4.16.04 PM How To Get Started With Kettlebells for Busy Moms

The launch of the newest Fit Yummy Mummy fat loss resource is the week of January 30th….stay tuned!

fym kettlebell pack total mock 300x168 How To Get Started With Kettlebells for Busy Moms

 


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9 Responses to How To Get Started With Kettlebells for Busy Moms
  1. Rene
    January 24, 2012 | 5:53 pm

    Kettle ball isn’t so bad, I heard cattle bell…

  2. Diana S
    January 24, 2012 | 8:03 pm

    Wish I had this advice over a year ago. Will ease my way back into using Kettlebells in my workouts

  3. Jeni M.
    January 24, 2012 | 8:16 pm

    Great tips, Holly. I tried a kb swing WO several months ago and ended up with a sore lower back. Need to get my form down for sure!

  4. Stephanie
    January 24, 2012 | 9:56 pm

    Drooling with anticipation! You never cease to amaze me with your dedication to the field, your desire to challenge us safely and your ability to do it informatively. You really put the power in our hands!

  5. Stephanie
    January 24, 2012 | 10:19 pm

    Also wanted to add how thankful I am to have attended the summit this past summer and to have received hands on personal coaching from you and Pam in regards to using KBs. I am ready for more! Bring it on!

  6. Jana
    January 24, 2012 | 10:41 pm

    Thanks for the tips! Did my first KB workout today. :)

  7. Golda Smith
    January 25, 2012 | 9:21 am

    I was hooked after taking one class. I purchased a 10lb kettlebell and now workout 20 minutes 4 days a week. I felt it in my thighs, shoulders, abs and hamstrings after day 1! I’m loving this.

  8. Valerie
    January 25, 2012 | 9:40 am

    Thank you for the great tips!

  9. Nathalie
    January 29, 2012 | 4:05 am

    Great Video Holly, I love how you break down the movement for us to master before actually picking up a KB. Being an osteo/physio, I SO understand and appreciate your dedication to doing things safely…!! I finally found a place in HK where I can buy decent KBs and have a session with a certified KB trainer!!!! :) :)
    Can’t wait for the videos to come out!!!!!!

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