I’ve been planning to start using kettlebells ever since last spring when I read The 4-Hour Body
I even bought a kettlebell. Then life got hectic, we moved, I left the kettlebell at our house in LA, and I never got started.
It’s a new year and it’s time for me to get in shape. I’m sick to death of my poochy belly and “love handles”. I am planning a trip to Hawaii this spring and I want a flat stomach, a firm butt and toned arms.
According to recent research from the American Council on Exercise, working out with kettlebells burns 1,200 calories per hour and:
delivers more fat-fighting and body-toning benefits than doing 30 minutes on the treadmill and 30 minutes of traditional weight lifting (Source)
In other words, working out with kettlebells is equivalent to DOUBLE the time doing weight training or cardio. Double the impact means you get results TWICE as fast.
Kettlebells will firm up all the jiggly bits and bobs. Kettlebells will flatten that jelly belly, boost that flat, saggy bottom, and tone those upper arms that sway in the breeze when you wave at the queen.
And do I even utter the words “back fat”? No, I shant. Because that is going to be completely ELIMINATED with kettlebells.
Get Your Kettlebell On!
Join me and let’s get the spring back in our butts and get our bellies ready for bikini weather.
We can all help each other get in shape by doing this TOGETHER. I know I need the support. I hope you will join me!
Oh and did I mention the PRIZES? I’m giving away over $250 in prizes to the winners.
Man, do you guys realize how far ahead of the game we will be by the time it’s bikini season?
So here’s how it works. Work out with kettlebells (up to 7 times a week for 4 weeks, 20-25 minutes each time), get points, and win prizes! You’ll increase your chances of winning if you send me your before and after photos.
The Kettlebell Challenge officially starts Sunday January 22nd and ends one month later on Saturday February 25th. You may not start logging workouts until Sunday Jan 22! Winners will be announced on March 1st.
Winners will be chosen based on final number of points AND results based on before and after photos, measurements, dress size, and weight.
Enter to Win Over $250 in Prizes
Four participants will win the following prizes (one prize per person):
Grand Prize: $150 Amazon Gift Certificate
First Prize: Apple iPod shuffle 2 GB
Second Prize: 3 Months of Audible Membership – I LOVE my Audible membership! You can listen to audiobooks while you work out. (Yeah, you know you’re going to have that kettlebell DVD memorized.) Retail value $45
Third Prize: Conair Foot Bath with Bubbles and Heat
Before I get into the details of how to participate, the very first thing you need to do is get your hands on a kettlebell.
What Kind of Kettlebell?
You can find kettlebells from 10 to 25 pounds (you can find heavier kettlebells, too, if you’re a guy or you’re training for the next Iron Man).
GoFit recommends that fit females begin with 15- to 20-pound Kettlebells and fit males with 25- to 35-pound Kettlebells. Women who are just getting started with an exercise program should begin with 10 pounds, while beginning men should start at 15 to 20 pounds.
You will need to get a heavier kettlebell at some point — once you’ve mastered the workout and have hit a plateau. I will probably get a 15-pound kettlebell next, and then eventually a 20-pounder.
You only need one kettlebell, not two. If you want to get two, go for it. But you really only need one to get started. (Some of the exercises they have in the DVD have you using two, but I just worked around that.)
Where to Buy a Kettlebell
You can find kettlebells at most sporting goods stores. I think I have also seen them at stores like Target.
I got mine on Amazon. If you have Amazon Prime, the shipping is free. Yes, even for a 25-pound kettlebell!
A note on Amazon Prime
Anyway, here are the GoFit kettlebells I found on Amazon. They are 10, 15, 20 and 25 pounds. (You can get heavier ones, to — just search on Amazon.
All of the GoFit kettlebells listed below include a DVD you can use to do your workouts. It is a 25-minute workout and it is the one that I use and recommend.
When I posted those last night, they were all eligible for Prime shipping. I swear! And now they’re not. 
However, the ones below ARE eligible for free Prime shipping. These two, the Tone Fitness and GoFit Contoured both come with a DVD. (Note: Only SOME of the colors/sizes of the GoFit Contoured kettlebells are eligible for Prime)
Here are some more kettlebells that are eligible for free Prime shipping but do not come with DVDs:
How to Work Out With Kettlebells
I recommend getting one of the GoFit kettlebells I listed above because they come with a workout DVD. If you get a different kettlebell that does not have a DVD included, look on YouTube for kettlebell and you will find lots of workouts.
There is also a routine you can learn on the Prevention magazine website.
You can also just learn the various moves and make up your own routine. Remember, the workout is 20-25 minutes.
How to Participate in the Kettlebell Challenge
1. Enter your email address below to join my mailing list. You must be on my mailing list to qualify for prizes. If you’re already on it, you don’t need to do anything.
2. Use the Rafflecopter widget to get points.
PLEASE NOTE: We will not start logging workouts until JAN 22. Any entries prior to Jan 22 will be deleted. This will give everyone time to get their kettlebells.
Got Questions?
If you have questions, please post them below in the comments.
Want to Talk About The Kettlebell Challenge?
Please post your comments below.
Photo credits: Kettlebell by andrewmalone, on Flickr and Untitled by zorbs, on Flickr
Disclosure: cmp.ly/4 and cmp.ly/5
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jenny kenevan, lyndcy pierce, colleen schopa
and the 300 friends on my facebook. I posted this page tohelp inspire some people to join!!!
Lose this baby fat! Plus, when I “preach the gospel” about weston a price and the remarkable benefits of fats, raw milk etc. I do not want to be fat! I have gained 60 pounds with all three kids, and have lost it! But my youngest is 4 months so I am still losing that! SO I am ready to get out there, lose this weight and and share the love, of food that is!
I was planning to use the gym’s kettlebells…but when I was there this morning I thought I would try them out, and they didn’t have them. So, I must have seen them at one of the other locations. I bought my kettlebell today, and it’s just as well, because I was able to choose one with a DVD, and I would have had to figure something else out for the gym.
I’m in! Kettlebell ordered, should be here next week. I NEED to get more active and get rid of this extra weight my low thyroid/fluoride problems have added! Thanks for the group motivation.
Hi AnnMarie, I referred Melssa M and Sarah R. I clicked the button on the widget to get points and it said to leave a comment. So here it is
Thanks
For some reason I’m listed as Sarah L. instead of Sarah R. – just wanted to leave that comment here so that you get credit for me.
Where do I email my before photo?
I want to take the Kettlebell Challenge because after having a baby, my body changed in ways I NEVER IMAGINED! I wanna get some of that back!
Andy
Referred Andy
I am doing the kettle bell challenge to learn something new, help take off the baby weight and support my husband in his fitness goals, too!
referral name – Michelle Curtis
I forgot to authorize my before photo to be put up……….well I authorize!
Looking forward to this challenge and getting healthier.
I need to win the kettle bells. I can’t afford to buy them and they would be easier to handle due to my hand problems.
I picked up my antebellum this weekend! I am so excited!
Ha, I am not sure how kettlebell was changed to antebellum. It made for a good laugh. I want to take the kettlebell challenge because while I am content with my size….I know I can be in better shape and look better! I trained for a half marathon and now I can barely run a mile and my pants don’t fit…this has to change!
I am doing this challenge because I need the accountability to do what I have been saying I would for EVER.
Shoot, I forgot to authorize my before photos, too. I authorize their use : ) Maybe we need a mental fitness challenge??
Walmart has a kettlebell set with 3 (5, 10, and 15lb) kettlebells, along with a DVD for $35 (you can get it online delivered to your store, but it is $10 more online). I don’t like Walmart, but this is a good deal.
I had read about kettlebells last summer and was interested in trying it, because it looks like a good full body workout. I am excited about this challenge and will try to get some before and after photos sent in.
Let’s do this! I just submitted by “before” photos (mortifying!). Thanks for the motivation!
I’m in!
Picked up my new kettlebells last weekend (good sale at Big 5 + a coupon +some kind of additional discount at the register made me feel much better about the splurge on new equipment!). Planning on enlisting my sister to help with ‘before’ photos this weekend and maybe even a first kettlebell workout. I’m excited!
I referred Shelley Anderson
I should also add, that I am doing this challenge thanks to Mary Cleveland. Thanks Mary
I am ready for this challenge!! Sign me up!!!
I’m in! Referred by my friend Beck.
Referred my fiancee B. Douglass!!
Cant wait to get rid of the post baby belly!
Joanna L.
I’m referring: David Watkins
My wife and I are looking forward to this challenge! It is great to have some additional motivation.
I’m ready!! Referred by Beck and I’m with her and Jennie!
I got started this morning early!
http://oldfashionedupgrades.blogspot.com/2012/01/kettlebell-challenge.html
I’m excited to be a part of the kettleball challenge . . . I think I am more inspired to participate and follow through because I am at rock bottom and tired of being the overweight granola lady who ferments and eats all traditional foods–yet is fat. It is rather hypocritical. Sigh. Plus I like Kettle ball workouts.
I’m joining the challenge! Still working on photos & measurements…
I’ve known for some time I need to lose weight, but I just haven’t been motivated. The challenge sounds simple enough, & it’s something to help motivate me.
I am in!!!
Man, taking those photo’s was not fun.
I did my first kettlebell workout today. I definitely feel it in my legs! I had a hard time with the snatch. It will take a little getting used to. I’m just using the DVD that came with the 15 lb Gofit kettlebell. I took my before photo and measurements today before my work out. I’ll email them to you.
Count me in!
I’m tired of being tired, and depressed! I’m looking forward to the difference this challenge is going to make!
I need to to lose some weight put on from stress. Looking forward to this challenge.
I’m in! I have a kettlebell and a DVD, just no motivation. Thanks for the push! I started today!
I am taking the kettlebell challenge to build strength and support my wife.
So excited!
Just referred Candice Q.
Just challenged all 708 of my friends over on FB! Hopefully some will step up and rock this
Invited Derek D, Andrei B, Sheila L, Terry L, Christy M, Sheila B, Mark S, Matthew S, Amanda K, Andrew H, Charlotte H, Amanda D, Jeff D, Kim S, Eric W, Ron G, Laura W and more.
Hi everyone! This is so exciting! I did my workout with that song “Electric Avenue” by Eddie Grant (?) playing- my seven year old liked the song so much she wouldn’t let me change it! Ha ha! It was fun! Yesderday someone asked me if I was pregnant (it happens to me at least once every two weeks).
Well that is sad, but is sure a motivation to work out! I am so sick of being asked If I am pregnant! What is wrong with people! It is humiliating! Well, I am so glad to be part of this challenge!
I referred Briana B.
Briana B.
Aha, Mauri just joined! I told her to get into the challenge!
This is so cool. I have lost 50 pounds in the last year, but there is still too much jiggle left on me. I have found these exercises to be simple and very effective in raising my heart rate and working on my core muscles. I don’t have the time or energy to go to a gym or even do a sixty minute workout in my living room. The competition gives me an incentive to do it. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to see if there is a difference in the next month.
Did my workout – super late at night- almost forgot! I love the simplicity of my routine and effectiveness of getting my heart rate up! Unfortunately I digressed a bit (a lot) when my Husband found a forgotten about box of Lindt Christmas chocolates!!! Sadly my instinct was to eat the evidence… oops.
I am doing this challenge because I would love to get my post babies tummy back in shape
I am so excited to enter this challenge. I am looking forward to changing my routine from “chronic cardio” to strength, I am looking to tone and get stronger. I would love to get rid of that back fat. Yuck!
I referred Joanna Langston
Where I have started to feel a difference is my butt and thighs………….that is a good sign=)
Suzanne Ledford referred me
Yay!
Oh my goodness. I had my first KB class today at the gym, the regulars were complaining about how grueling this particular session was, so I knew I was in trouble. It felt great at the time but I fear that walking will be difficult tomorrow. The soreness is setting in!
So I have done 3 kettle bell work outs and 1 belly dancing 40 min class-how do I log these? Can I do all my logging 1x/week or do I have to every day??? I havent sent a pic yet but will soon! Try to today! Thx, Kim
For one 40-min session, you can log it as 2 cardio sessions. Since I am letting people log 1 cardio session as 20 mins.
You can do all your logging once a week.
Is this how we log in or is there a link? Kim
I love kettlebells and it is Tim Ferriss of the Four Hour Body that got me started too! I’ve been swinging for about 9 months now and have killer arms! It is IMPERATIVE to get proper training. Swinging kettlebells is more than just picking up a KB and swinging it. Technique will not only keep you from getting injured it will also make it so you get the most out of your workout. I recommend finding an RKC or HKC certified trainer. Dragondoor.com has a place to search for a certified trainer near you.
I have a video posted on Youtube (search for HealthNutNation) and I have written quite a few articles on my site about my experiences while training with kettlebells. I even met Tracy and Mark Reifkind (from Ferriss’ book) and trained with them! They were awesome!
Had to go buy another KB today. I started at 25lbs and my wife started at 10. She has now stolen my 25 pounder which was getting too light for me and I got a 35 pounder!
Hi! I want to take the kettlebell challenge! I have six children that I homeschool and now I have driven our family happily and passionately through the learning process of eating real, traditional foods. I am happy with my weight but I feel weak! I have realized that I have put exercise on the back burner, and need to make a change. I need it! Thank you for this opportunity!
I want to do it because I’ve read that it’s a great way to get results, and it looks kind of fun.
Hello,
So excited to see you getting into kettlebells. I have been doing a little bit, introduced to them by my husband and its the best way to get the most out of your workout time. You can get your whole body into it and your heart pounding in just a few minutes! I just wanted to recommend a DVD – “From Russia With Tough Love
Pavel’s Kettlebell Workout for a Femme Fatale” that is really good at describing proper technique and powerful moves. I thought the prevention workout was not very good comparatively. This guy is really knows kettlebells. Thanks for the extra motivation!
PS. and thought you might consider another way to track progress, by a swing test. See how many swings you can do in 10 minutes at the beginning, and then at the end of the challenge. This will show you how your strength and endurance has improved.
I’m excited! A little late to the party, but yesterday I finally picked up my long-ignored kettlebell and learned a a few routines on youtube. I am amazed that I can actually manage a few beginner moves besides the good old kettlebell swing! Thanks for this contest, it is helping me on the road to that flat belly
I just read about the kettlebell challenge. I’m excited to try it. Getting a DVD from the library and will use my weights until I can get a kettlebell. Know I’m starting late, but looking forward toning up with lots of others!
I notice a serious difference already in my tummy and tush! Love it!
Hi guys, I have been doing this challenge but building up slowly, especially with the kettlebells. Yesterday was the most kettle bell I have ever done, I did about 2/3 of a beginner workout that I have on dvd. This morning I did my 3km run and it was so much harder than usual! Now I feel physically sore and a bit weak. My plan was to do alternate days with running and kettlebell, perhaps having Sunday off. Due to my soreness (it’s not REAL bad) do you think I should take a day off tomorrow or just continue with my kettlebell??? Or maybe I should just do another run tomorrow and maybe do kettle bell every third day??? One point is that I have started with the 12kg. Probably too heavy but there was no way I could afford multiple bells so and I’d heard others say that they built up to the 12kg quite quickly so I just went witht that. I find I can do all the exercises except the press. I usually find running easy so it was a real shock to struggle with that this morning, but I take it that that means the challenge is actually working because I am, well, challenged!! I think the amount of kettle bell I did yesterday was new to my system and I was still recovering today!
Would love to hear how others are doing, especially those that may not have had a great fitness level before this challenge!!
Hi, I have been able to do the full kettlebell workout that came with my Gofit kettlebell from the begining, but I started with a lighter kettlebell, 15 lbs. I can’t imagine starting with 25 lbs (12 kgs)! I was sooo sore after the first workout. I could not do my short run/walk the next day. I had to walk (hobble) and could not go far… Now, I am not getting sore from the workout, but I stil do get winded every time. I’m able to do my regular walk/run every other day with my dogs. We do intervals – 30 seconds of sprinting and then rest until not winded and go again for 30 seconds of sprinting (15-20 minutes of this). I didn’t plan on buying another kettlebell, but since the soreness has worn off, maybe I could benefit from a higher weight? I’d be interested to hear how it’s been going for others, too. Please share…
I have not been posting well, but doing kettle bell at least once every other day since January!! I love it!
I need this! I just bought kettlebells about three weeks ago and started using them this week. I bought Lauren Brooks’ Ultimate Body Sculpting to learn to use them right. I gotta lose 30 pounds and this can only help!
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