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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I want to do the Kettlebell Challenge so I can get in shape for my trip to Hawaii. I want to get back into a pair of designer jeans (I miss my Rock & Republics).
So what measurements do you want us to record?
The info is above in the Rafflecopter widget
Take a Before Photo (anytime from now through Sunday January 22nd) and an After Photo (anytime from Saturday February 18th through Saturday February 25th).
Before and After Photos should be taken of you in a bathing suit or gym clothes. Clothing must not be super loose/baggy. You don’t need to wear a bikini but please wear something that allows us to see your form. Also (and I don’t need to tell you people this because you are AWESOME), photos must not be obscene. Please don’t take pics in your bra and panties. We need to be able to publish this on the internet and this is a family website.
Email me both photos (JPGs please) to annmarie AT realfoodmedia DOT com. Photos must be emailed no later than February 25th at 12 midnight EST.
In your email, include the following info:
Inches of bust, waist and hips – before and after Weight – before and after Dress size – before and after
You must email the before and after photos by midnight EST on January 25th, with the permission to publish them on the blog (just say so in your email).
You will get an additional 25 points.
Does the picture have to include our face?! I don’t know if I can publicly show my spare tire and face at the same time.
By the way, Anne Marie, the foot bath for magnesium is an awesome idea. I don’t think I can wait to see if I win 3rd place for that! I’m going to have to buy a foot bath along with the kettle bells!
No you do not need to include your face.
Thanks for running this contest. I want to wear a bikini this summer!
ME TOO!
I have not worn a bikini since I was 38 before Kate was born.
Fun contest – I want to lose the baby weight!!
I’m in! I want to get back into single digit clothing.
Haha! Me too! Heck I’d be happy at size 10. (I”m 12 now).
I’m in. I have a 50th birthday coming in July, and I want to look and feel better by then!
I’d love to do this. I’ve heard great things about kettlebell workouts too, and I need the motivation of a challenge! I have been gaining too much weight lately!
I’m on my way to Target for a Kettleball!
Woo hoo!
I added a note way down below that excellent quality kettlebells, made here in the USA, are available here:
http://www.dragondoor.com/shop-by-department/kettlebells/
They are weighted differently than ones you find elsewhere. I recommend the 12K for women for most exercises. A lighter one is useful for some things as well.
If you live in the Twin Cities, see below for a local instructor recommendation.
I want to do it to get fit before my next pregnancy
Love it! I read the kettleball information in 4-Hour Body, too, and have been intrigued ever since. This is great motivation – thank you!
Thanks for the accountability! Been wanting to do this ever since reading 4HR Body but now I have a great excuse to get started.
Baby weight!!!!
I want to lose the belly too because I want to get a gorgeous lacy wadding dress!!!!
Also I want to mention that the GoFit bells on amazon arent elegible for amazon prime. Would I be able to get that specific dvd separately?
All the GoFit kettlebells I posted are eligible for Amazon Prime. At least they were when I posted them last night.
I’ll go doublecheck it.
I love my kettle bell! I’m using a 20lb one I got at Target and I do it about two times per week. This is inspiring me to do it more!
Commenting after reading only the first few sentences; if you need any Hawaii trip planning advice, let me know. I’m on the Big Island, but can offer suggestions for Oahu, Kauai, and Maui, too.
Thank you, Kris!
I have three kettlebells – 10, 15, and 20 pounders – and absolutely love them! However, I’ve fallen out of practice with them. A couple of years ago, I did a 60-day kettlebell challenge for the Busy Woman’s Workout at Tactical Athlete (http://www.tacticalathlete.com/store.php?view_product=107). It was awesome and really worked very well.
I signed up for your kettlebell challenge, but I’ll be taking this cautiously as I’m almost 4 months pregnant. But I’m still going to do it. I’m very overweight and still need to get in shape, even while pregnant. I am really focusing on eating a healthful, nourishing diet of real foods during this pregnancy and will be keeping up with exercise throughout. I had pre-eclampsia with my first pregnancy, which my doctors believe I have a 70-75% chance of having again and they are also worried about gestational diabetes this time around. So my goal for doing this is to be healthy for my unborn baby’s and my sakes and to hopefully avoid (or at least greatly reduce) my chance of developing pre-e or gestational diabetes!
Please look into magnesium therapy for pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes
It’s mentioned in this article but you should also google it
http://www.diet-and-nutrition-now.com/magnesium-deficiency.html
Pick up a copy of The Magnesium Miracle by Carolyn Dean
I want to get fit post baby bump.
Yeay Sarah. Im so glad you joined with me.
AnnMarie, Can i get points for bringing a friend in?
Great challenge and now to buy some kettlebells.
I want to get out of plus sizes!
We are moving to a new house and I am finally getting the pool I have always dreamed of. There is nothing I would love more than to be in a bikini again and have that baby pouch gone!
Woo hoo! AWESOME!
I want to get in shape for my 30th birthday this year.
I want to join the challenge so I can work off a few lbs that I have gained.
I’m so intrigued by kettlebells but haven’t used them yet! Looking forward to some accountability and motivation. Time to lose the post-baby weight (how is it that one can gain so much weight AFTER baby is born?!)
want to win
I am so in. I used to do kettlebells before the last baby and I just can’t find the time. (I know I waste plenty of time.) (BTW, I’ve used several of these videos: http://www.ontheedgefitness.com/Videos.aspx)
I want to get back the strength I used to have, and have muscle definition in my arms.
I want to lose enough weight that I don’t die too soon.
I want to finally be back to my “healthy weight”. I think this is just the incentive I need!!
I have a love hate relationship with kettle balls:) since last July. They really work and you feel it!
Yes, I know! I only did one workout so far on Sunday and I didn’t even finish it. I only did like 5-10 minutes. I TOTALLY feel it in my thighs!
I am excited. I want to wear the smaller jeans that have been in the back of my closet for quite some time now!
What a great challenge! Something else that would be great for everyone is to look up the Tupler Technique. A lot of times a “poochy” belly is caused by a diastasis, and almost all women who have been pregnant have one to some extent. I took a class last year to learn it and was amazed at the difference it made!
Thank you I will look it up
Ann Marie, just a quick note about Amazon Prime–if you join Amazon Mom and then do “subscribe & save” on something (like, say, diapers), you get Amazon Prime FOR FREE!
We get our 7th Generation diapers this way, cheaper than anywhere else, and we get quick & free shipping on all of our other purchases because of it. It works out great! 
@Brenda Wow that is a GREAT tip! Thank you! Now I have to think of something I can subscribe to… I love it!
I swore up & down I would never wear a bikini again after just having had 3 kids in 3.5 years. I gained up 210 on my 5’2 frame! I’m in a 6-8 size pant range right now and I want to get back to my cute pre-preg 120lb body!!! So I CAN wear a bikini again!!!! I also want to set a good example for my kids!
Ok, I’m ready. You’ve challenged me and I’m up for it.
Looking forward to getting back to my pre-pregnancy size – my baby is almost 2 months old, so after having had a c-section I think I’m finally ready to get some exercise! It took me 18 months to lose all the weight with my first, but I want it to happen faster this time around.
Just a word about amazon moms – the free amazon prime free shipping expires after about a month or so and I am still getting e-mails from amazon mom that I can’t get them to stop. Definately not worth it at all.
Oh, interesting!
Well, I couldn’t sign up anyway — I could only get on a waiting list.
I really don’t mind paying the $75/year. It is worth it to me when you consider how much you save in shipping over the course of a year!
My amazon mom just expired; if you buy other baby-related things, you extend your membership a month (or was it 3) at a time, up to a full year. At least, that’s how it worked last year.
Too much of a hassle for me. I’ll just pay the $75!
I want to get in shape; I’m close to pre-baby weight, but no where near that shape. My baby was a very poor nurser as a newborn and didn’t gain weight the first 2 weeks; my milk supply went way down. I took the attitude that I wasn’t going to exercise for a while and let every extra calorie go to him. Problem is that “a while” has turned into “over a year!”
I got a month of Amazon Prime free with my Christmas gift of a Kindle Fire. I like that I can borrow books for free from other Kindle users if they set it up to loan them in the ‘Kindle Lending Library”.
So I used my free month of Prime to get the bells and a dvd. I also think im gonna buy more stuff this month, such as health food items that I usually have to go out of town to buy.
Thank you for this challenge. Getting healthy, toned and in-shape is one of my goals for 2012.
Ready for this challenge. Just ordered a kettle ball from Amazon.
Great challenge. I’m already doing kettlebells regularly and they are wonderful. I would encourage other readers not to be afraid of using heavier kettlebells. If your form is correct, the heavier bells are just as safe and work much faster. I use a 35 pound kettlebell and have seen much faster results with this one compared to my other kettlebell (20 lbs)
Ferriss also explains the mechanics of the kettlebell swing in this post http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2011/01/08/kettlebell-swing/ for anyone who isn’t able to get the DVD.
Thanks, Katie! Great tips!
I will go ahead and order a 25-pound kettlebell then.
That said, the 10-pounder kicked my a** after just 10 minutes so maybe I’ll work up to 25 pounds over the next couple weeks…
I was wondering if you would think about the possibility of doing you prizes for two main groups, one group based on points, and one group based on results of weight and measurements. I am the size that my body likes to be, therefore on this challenge I will not loose any weight or inches but I would gain points by working out. I’m always up to trying new stuff. So let me know if you will consider this so that women that don’t have any weight to loose could enter this challenge also. Thanks
I am not really trying to lose weight either. But I think the before and after photos will show improvement in muscle tone.
You say above: You must email the before and after photos by midnight EST on January 25th, with the permission to publish them on the blog (just say so in your email).
You will get an additional 25 points.
Do you mean a different date? Do you want the before photos and measurements by Jan 25 or do you want the before and after photos emailed all at once when the contest is over?
Thanks for organizing this! It’s the motivation I need!
That looks like a typo. It took me FOREVER to get this blog post ready!
Email me both photos (JPGs please) to annmarie AT realfoodmedia DOT com. Photos must be emailed no later than February 25th at 12 midnight EST.
OK I fixed that!
I want to get back into strength training. Already have yoga in the daily routine and getting back into regular belly dance practice. But I need more and definitely like encouragement!
Good timing ! I just met a trainer thru a friend who specializes in kettleballs. My friend looks terrific and got into shape FAST and I am so impressed !
How long did it take your friend to get in shape?
I just got a kettleball and I am in great need of getting toned and fit. I have MS, so the stronger and more physically fit I am the easier it is to fight my disease.
My mom has MS, too. I’d love to hear if working out with kettlebells helps you manage the MS.
One thing I have learned, from my own experience as well as others with MS, the better shape you are in physically, the less MS side effects you see. When I was first diagnosed I was 193lbs………….I lost almost 50lbs and the difference in my walking and balance was amazing. In the last two years I have been changing meds like crazy, so I put back on 30lbs………..and I just can’t have that! So new years resolution is to drop 40lbs……….get back in my size 6 jeans as well as be able to walk normally again!
That’s a fabulous new year’s resolution!
I love my kettlebells but I need to work them hard again!
My absolute favorite kettlebell dvd is KettleBell Goddess. I never get bored with the workouts.
Thanks I will look that up!
Cant wait to start and get a crazy Jacked.
I need to lose baby weight! I found some pics of myself pre-kids and it was horrifying.
I just bought a 20 pound one from Target (also free shipping if you use your Target card) after reading about it in 4-Hour Body. I have only used it once so far, but am planning on doing the workout in 4–Hour Body 3 times a week as he recommends. I am hoping for results because I have tried everything else. I have never had a weight problem, but am now 53 and since menopause I have had a terrible thick waist and poochy belly. I don’t want to look old and matronly!
This will help with motivation! Thank you so much for your timely information – as always!
I’m super excited to have some motivation to put my kettlebell to good use. Thank you!
Going tomorrow to buy a kettlebell. Can’t wait to start!
I want to take the challenge because I think kettlebells are a fabulous way to get into shape.
I just “happened” to buy some kettlebells this morning, before I read this post. I think it’s a sign that I have to join this challenge. And I’m excited about it because I am not terribly self motivated! I’ve lost 20 pounds since going low-carb/real food last August, but I would like to lose at least 10 more…or even 20?! Thanks for doing this!!
I’m signed up! I bought kettlebells a couple of months ago, and I’ve only been using them about once a week…or so. I want to get to 2-3 times a week, max. I do love my kettlebells! I’ve not been pushing myself hard enough.
I would strongly caution against the idea of doing kettlebells daily. Everything I’ve read about kettlebells and strength training in general says the most important thing is resting in between training sessions. Lifting heavy weights breaks down the muscle fibers, and it’s when you rest a day or two that allows the body to build them up strong. There is no gain from going more than 2-3 times a week (see Mark Sisson, Robb Wolf, etc., if you don’t believe me). You get most of the benefits from one time a week (if working all muscles to failure), and almost as much from twice a week (which allows you to split workouts), and greatly diminishing returns thereafter as you increase frequency. Lifting weights every day is counterproductive and is likely to lead to (or exacerbate) adrenal burnout.
I agree, it’s best to do it 2-3 times per week.
However, I knew people would want to do it more often during the challenge which is why I said they could do it daily.
At first I limited it to 6x per week but that was kind of hard to set up with the Rafflecopter thing.
Well the challenge for me is to get to the second time! The first isn’t too hard. Fitting in the second workout has proved to be challenging, so maybe this is the kick in the pants I need! Thanks.
I could only do 10 minutes my first time, and I had to take breaks!
I was thinking… what if I changed the contest and said 3 x per week of kettlebells and 3 x per week kettlebells OR cardio…
That way people could still get points, could still work out 6 x per week, but they wouldn’t have to do kettlebells every day. What do you think?
I support this. I like to work out on the heavy side with kettlebells, and 6 times a week is too much for me. Cardio daily would be a good goal, though.
OK I will post an update…
Great idea. I worked out with my lightest one tonight (I bought three at once because I had to drive 2 hours to get to a store that carries them), the 18-pounder, while watching the instructional disk of Kathy Smith’s new kettlebell workout. She uses lighter bells (3 and 5 pounds) but more complicated moves. She and her trainer, Mia, (the person who taught her about kettlebells), look fantastic. I like a heavy kb for the basic swings, but for various moves like clean and jerk etc etc it will be safer to start with something lighter, so I’m going to take advantage of your links posted above. I’m already on Amazon Prime.
Interesting to note that Kathy Smith, as fantastic as she looks, now has a bit of jelly roll going on. Not a criticism, but a reminder that menopause does mean your body will change… like Sally Fallon says, it’s normal for women to add a little padding in the middle at mid life. Or maybe that’s an excuse! Kathy still is thin and strong and gorgeous, just couldn’t be a bikini model anymore. Which reminds me that thanks to the exposure to zillions of photos of incredibly gorgeous, genetically gifted women (with perhaps airbrushing, too), it is easy for us to hold ourselves to a ridiculously unrealistic standard.
I have never worn a bikini and frankly the Pacific Ocean here in NorCal is way too cold to make it tempting. Still, it would be nice to know I’d look good in a bikini…finally…before I croak!
Which reminds me that thanks to the exposure to zillions of photos of incredibly gorgeous, genetically gifted women (with perhaps airbrushing, too), it is easy for us to hold ourselves to a ridiculously unrealistic standard.
I agree!
That said, I think Kathy Smith is like 60 isn’t she?
I’m only 43. I think I can still get in a bikini, or at least a tankini before I’m 50.
Oh, I forgot to say why I want to do this… to see what my body looks like when it’s finally, truly in shape. Can I get my pear shape under control? I’d like to know!
I would love to, maybe when I get a job, I could do something like this=)! I really don’t have any extra money right now, to be getting kettle bells with, but I sure would like to exercise doing something…♥.
i hope i can participate, even though i cant win. i dont want to lose weight, i want to build muscle!
I think I need to do this challenge because I want to be toned up again. I haven’t really exercised consistently in over a year. I’m tired of the scale saying I weigh the same, but I can’t squeeze into the clothes I used to wear at this same weight.
I haven’t worked with Kettle Bells, but I’m interested to see if they’ll help me put back on some muscle faster. 
I also cannot afford to spend any money but if I am convinced by people’s before and after photos I may have to save up or put some kettle bells on layby. Will those of us who can’t do this challenge right now be able to see everyone’s pics?? I would sure appreciate it, I have about 15kg I need to lose and I need motivation bad!! I would just like to be able to wear jeans again, I have never worn a bikini!
Yes I will publish the before and after pics of the winners on the site. I am even taking a pic of my jelly belly and back fat to show you all.
I can’t wait! Hope we get some good ones!
For those on a tight budget, Tim Ferriss offers a video on building your own kettlebell alternative for $10.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/tim-ferriss-superhuman-kettlebell.htm
oh yes, sign me up….I so need this! and if i have a challenge I might even do it
I want to sign up. I need to get rid of the last 10 lbs of baby weight and the bit that I gained around the time I got married. I am tired of seeing wrinkles and rolls.
You and me, too, sister!
I’m already trying to workout more – why not try to get prizes doing it.
Hey, why not? I’ve got bells.
Need to lose a good ten lbs. and tone up too. This is just as good as having a friend to exercise with!
I have love handles for the first time in my life and I want them GONE!
I am so very new to all these blogs and widgets. So excuse me if you have answered this already. But how do you use the rafflecopter?
I was curious about this too…not sure how the widget works.
I’m excited!! Now to go and get that kettlebell. My husband showed interest in it when the Y center was offering kettlebell classes…. maybe he will want to join me…
After two years of feeling guilty & sad & stuck from gaining back all the weight I lost (a sprained ankle got me off track…), I’m ready. Not even a new years thing, something just shifted on monday morning and I’m back to yoga, changing some significant eating patterns, just feeling open to change. So why not? I agree on not encouraging 6 kettlebell workouts a day – needs to be kept safe. Why not kettle bell 3x plus cardio of some kind the others? Also, my understanding is that for best results we need to shake it up with varied workouts, not using the same video every time.
Baby is almost a year old and it’s time to lose the baby weight and tone up a bit! So excited, I needed a workout boost.
I want to try kettlebell because it’s something new and interesting…. I need to get back on the weight loss wagon!!
Yeay Melissa! I also referred this person. (i think its the correct Melissa anyway.) How do I get the points AnnMarie? Do i just tell you or is it thru the widget?
I very excited to start this challenge
ooops I didnt say why I was joining. I just had my beautiful daughter 7 months ago and put on a lot of weight. Ive lost about half of it but cant seem to get the rest off. I am hoping that this challenge helps me do it
I just ordered a kettle bell on Walmart.com and am excited to do this challenge! I started to put on weight 5 years ago when I quit smoking and I recently had a baby…so I have weight to lose! I’m soooo excited! Thanks for doing this challenge!
But I’m a little confused about the rafflecopter thing…can’t seem to get it to work and not sure what to do with it. I signed up for the facebook app, but can’t seem to find it anywhere…I’m hoping I can get this all figured out by the time the challenge starts.
Were you able to click the button to enter?
I think I have it figured out. Since you can get the facebook app, I was thinking it was something I could do on facebook…but I think I understand it now. Thanks!
I just joined the challange and ordered my kettlebell.
I didn’t say why I wanted to join. I need the accountability to stick with an exercise routine. I’m flabby and need to do something about it!
I’m joining because I want to try something new. And tone my legs.
Looking forward to this challenge and hopefully shedding some of the recent baby weight!
I am so in! My wedding is in April with a honeymoon (hello New Orleans!) in May and I need to look rockin’! Going to pick up some kettlebells this weekend!
You are inspiring! I also am fed up (literally hah!) with my muffin top. I’ve always been fit, ate super healthy and never had a problem until my second child…he’s 4 now so there are no excuses! I bought a kettle bell about 6 weeks ago, was loving Jillian Michaels Shred it with Weights kettlebell workout…but I lapsed over the holidays…I’m so ready to get my (flat) belly back!!
I want to slim down my spare tire! Especially the back…
This is a great contest. I had heard of kettle balls but never looked into them. I got a lot of toning to do and 25 minutes a day sounds doable for a full-time working mom to a toddler. Plus the incentive of winning something will keep me motivated. Thanks!
I liked my kettlebell but I think I started too heavy at 35 lbs and couldn’t keep up with it. I was drenched after my 30 swings and took my heart rate forever to cool down. I think I’ll work back up to it!
Please be careful with form on these! I have never seen the GoFit DVD but there are a bunch of BAD form vids on YouTube. Check out Kettlebell Queen Lauren Brooks and Girls Gone Strong’s Neghar Fonooni (both have YouTube vids) for *good form.* Lauren Brooks’ DVDs are great too as is Skogg System, which is what I’m using. I have no affiliation with any of these but I would hate to see people start w/kettlebells and hurt themselves. It’s a ballistic movement so requires excellent technique/form.
Also try starting with at least a 15-lb bell. I was not exercising when I started and I have relatively poor upper body strength but within a couple of weeks I had outgrown the 15 and am now using a 20-lb bell. I anticipate within another month to 6 weeks I will move up to 25 lb, then I think things will probably get slower from there.
Sorry – my comment below went under the last comment unintentionally (you can delete it if you wish).
Please be careful with form on these! I have never seen the GoFit DVD but there are a bunch of BAD form vids on YouTube. Check out Kettlebell Queen Lauren Brooks and Girls Gone Strong’s Neghar Fonooni (both have YouTube vids) for *good form.* Lauren Brooks’ DVDs are great too as is Skogg System, which is what I’m using. I have no affiliation with any of these but I would hate to see people start w/kettlebells and hurt themselves. It’s a ballistic movement so requires excellent technique/form.
Also try starting with at least a 15-lb bell. I was not exercising when I started and I have relatively poor upper body strength but within a couple of weeks I had outgrown the 15 and am now using a 20-lb bell. I anticipate within another month to 6 weeks I will move up to 25 lb, then I think things will probably get slower from there.
I just started working out and anything I can do to tone my belly, core, hips, etc is a wonderful thing.
A great place to buy high quality kettlebells is here:
http://www.dragondoor.com/shop-by-department/kettlebells/
They’re made in the USA are weighted differently than other kinds.
For most of the exercises, I recommend the 12K for women.
Also, if any of you taking the challenge live in Minneapolis/St. Paul, be sure to take classes from Andrea DuCane. She’s one of the top instructors in the country and will get you into shape in no time! It’s important to have good instruction with kettlebells.
I just entered and I am going to be picking up a Kettleball tonight at work!!
Sweet! My brother was just telling me about the magic kettlebell!
I’m in. I am not sure if I already left a blog post or not. Had a 30 lb bell but it was way too heavy, so I got a 10 pounder yesterday at Target and did my first work out this morning on Prevention website. I need to lose the baby belly fat.
I am going to accept this challenge, and we’ll see how it goes. (Like another one of the posters I am 4 months pregnant!) So I don’t plan to push myself too much, but the reason I want to accept this challenge is because I want to do better about going to the gym– I will just plan to use their kettlebells. I have also been very interested lately in trying barefoot or minimalist running, so if I get a better routine established, maybe I can do kettlebells 2-3 days/week and slowly start running on the other days. I’m getting bigger, not smaller, so I doubt I’ll win, but some more muscle tone would be good, and a better gym habit would be GREAT.
I want to do the kettlebell challenge to lose baby weight. After I had my son, I was able to lose 30 pounds and was in a size 1/2. When I had my daughter, I had to have a c-section, and have not been able to lose the last of the weight. I just bought a kettlebell with workout DVD at Wal-mart and am anxious to get started. I think I am going to do it 3 times a week and on the other days I will do Zumba. Thanks for doing this challenge!
Alright, I’m doing this!
I’ve been using my treadmill but I think the kettleball and treadmill is a good mix up.
Here we go, I’m excited! I look ridiculous since having my second child, I feel like I’m wearing a winter coat all the time. I can’t wait to get rid of it!
I’ve tried everything else to lose this 20 pounds, might as well try this. I’ve worked with kettleballs before and really enjoyed the workout. Here’s to losing the 20. . .
FYI, the ACE looked at MVO2 training with kettlebells (lookup “Viking Warrior” kettlebell workout) to get their calorie burning estimate. It is not a beginner workout. Not ALL kettlebell workouts will magically burn that. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE kettlebells, and I don’t do much else, but your expectations need to be realistic. Diet has more to do with fat loss than workouts….http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/Kettlebells012010.pdf
I already started with a kettlebell a few weeks ago, but this will inspire me to keep going, especially when I inevitably start to tire of doing it!
Picked up a 25 pound kettlebell for myself and a 10 pound for my wife today! Can’t wait to get started. Feeling a bit better about my before picture today as I realized I no longer need a 3XLT shirt but finally fit in an XL.
I want to lose weight and get stronger.
Just picked up my 10 pound kettle bell today! I am so excited to try it out
I would like to see this belly of mine shrink! I also would like to see a flatter back and toner arms…just like any other woman past 35 out there
I love my 3 babies, but more work must be done
Got my kettlebells today!
I’m doing this because I need something quick, fun and effective to get back within a target weight.
I got my wife to join, crazycandigirl!
I also posted about it on my blog!
http://oldfashionedupgrades.blogspot.com/2012/01/busy-day-112.html
Game on! Thanks, Anne Marie!
Got my kettlebell and I’m ready to go!
I want to participate in this challenge. How exciting! And I got a 12 pound kettle bell for 9 dollars! I was expecting to pay 30 at Target!
I want to take the Kettlebell challenge to get my waist back from having two over ten pound babies. Now my youngest is 18 months and I still look five months pregnant!
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