I would not do kettlebells without a trainer.

Anonymous wrote: killer as in bad for your quads or killer as in good for them?

Kettlebell swings, cleans and high pulls will make your quads unbelievably strong if done with good form.

killer as in bad for your quads or killer as in good for them?

Anonymous wrote:OP: Thanks for the ideas! I will try using phone and mirror to check form. I'm going to start with non-swing exercises and work up. The swing is fun but I worry about my middle aged lower back!

I highly recommend a coach to teach you form. Kettlebells should not result in low back issues. They are a killer for your quads though.

I love kettlebells. I have found much of the content on youtube to be not very good, goes too fast, and is often by instructors who don't have much kettlebell-specific training. Kettlebell Solo might be the only exception I can think of.

https://www.youtube.com/@kettlebellsolo

I like HASfit on YT

nerd fitness has a beginner kb routine that's very good.

Anonymous wrote:Tried kettlebells in a hotel gym and liked them. Recently got a set on sale. Ideas re: YT workouts? TIA.

just be careful. I hurt myself watching videos and doing kettle. It is important to have someone watch your form.

OP: Thanks for the ideas! I will try using phone and mirror to check form. I'm going to start with non-swing exercises and work up. The swing is fun but I worry about my middle aged lower back!

Kettlebells are awesome. I use them almost exclusively for my strength training. The two handed swing is an awesome movement. Just start with a light one and get the movement down in front of some mirrors or by recording yourself with your phone. You’ll know you are getting it wrong.

Examples of some things I do to support endurance sports:

Kettlebells swings to sumo squat to pushups. Maybe 15x10x10, with a descending number of squats down to 1, with rest between each round

Kick stand single leg RDL

Lateral squat

High Plank with either a pull over with a bell or picking it up and placing it on the side, to each side back and forth, 1-3 minutes.

Pull overs while lying down (this is a lat strengthening one and shoulder)

Various seated overhead presses (lots of these)

Marching in place with the bell held over head

You want powder coated bells. I got the yes4all ones on Amazon, and I’m pleased with those.

Thanks for the warning. I'm planning to do exercises where they are held or lifted rather than swung. I will also resist the temptation to go heavier quickly.

Be careful—everyone I know who has gotten into kettlebells has eventually injured themselves.

Start light and protect your back.

This beginner one is good imo, I like a lot of the Sunny videos, both those that use equipment and those where none required. The instructors are clear and give cautions when none is needed. Have fun! But continue to keep weights lower and move up very gradually, our backs are vulnerable as we age.

10 MIN BEGINNER KETTLEBELL - LOWER BODY | Sunny Strength
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ngbz2wKFws

Tried kettlebells in a hotel gym and liked them. Recently got a set on sale. Ideas re: YT workouts? TIA.